The UN and the UK envoys in Sri Lankan condemned the violence at Rambukkana, where the police fatally shot an unarmed protester during a protest by the residents over the recent fuel price hike and shortage of fuel.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy in a Twitter message expressing deep concern over the violence said the violence by any party involved hinders the rights of all peaceful protestors.
“Deeply concerned by reports of harm to protestors in #Rambukkana. Violence by any party involved hinders the rights of all peaceful protestors. Restricting use of force to the minimum extent necessary is vital to protect citizens and their right to exercise fundamental freedoms,” she said.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton condemning the violence in all forms called for retrain and an independent and transparent investigation into the shooting.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of life in protests in Rambukkana. An independent and transparent investigation is essential. I condemn violence in all forms and call for restraint. The right to peaceful protest must be protected.”
Deeply concerned by reports of harm to protestors in #Rambukkana. Violence by any party involved hinders the rights of all peaceful protestors. Restricting use of force to the minimum extent necessary is vital to protect citizens and their right to exercise fundamental freedoms.
— Hanaa Singer-Hamdy (@SingerHanaa) April 19, 2022
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of life in protests in Rambukkana. An independent and transparent investigation is essential. I condemn violence in all forms and call for restraint. The right to peaceful protest must be protected.
— Sarah Hulton OBE (@SarahHultonFCDO) April 19, 2022