The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy has urged security services to understand the frustration of citizens spending hours in long lines, and to exercise restraint in the use of force.
In a tweet, the UN resident coordinator called on authorities to investigate any excessive use of force.
Meanwhile, the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung too had urged authorities to exercise restraint under these difficult circumstances.
Moreover, she emphasized that any excessive use of force should be quickly investigated.
Troubled by images of violence in petrol queues, involving police & army. I urge security services to understand the frustration of citizens spending hours in long lines, & to exercise restraint in the use of force. I call on authorities to investigate any excessive use of force
— Hanaa Singer-Hamdy (@SingerHanaa) June 19, 2022
As petrol lines & power cuts increase, tensions are naturally rising too. But boiling over will not address SL’s urgent needs. I urge authorities to exercise restraint under these difficult circumstances. Any excessive use of force should be quickly investigated.
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) June 19, 2022