A curfew is currently in place in central Sri Lanka, which authorities have called on the international community to show restraint following the death of a protester in anti-government protests escalating on the island in the midst of a historic economic crisis.
The government has promised an investigation into allegations that police used excessive force to disperse rallies protesting fuel shortages and rising fuel prices.
Sri Lanka, plunged into the worst financial crisis since independence in 1948, announced on April 12 that it was suspending payments to its international creditors. The country’s external debt amounts to $ 51 billion.
The government is struggling to secure $ 3 billion to $ 4 billion in funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and loans from other creditors.
“I have already ordered an investigation into how the police acted in Rabucana, 95 kilometers east of the capital Colombo,” said police chief Santana Wickramaratne. He himself ordered an indefinite traffic ban in the area.
Crowds in Rabucana were preparing to set fire to a diesel tanker when police opened fire to disperse it, police said earlier.
It was the first deadly confrontation since anti-government protests erupted this month.
At least 29 people, including 11 police officers, were injured in the incidents, according to authorities.
Several embassies in Colombo – the United States, Britain, Canada, etc. – have expressed concern that police used live ammunition and called on all parties to show restraint.
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
