SRI LANKAN MILITARY FIRES ON PROTESTERS TO QUELL UNREST OVER FUEL CRISIS

Sun 19 June 2022:

Since achieving independence in 1948, Sri Lanka has been through the biggest economic crisis in its history, and there has been widespread public outrage about the situation.

The situation deteriorated further on Saturday, when the military opened fire on people to prevent unrest at a gas station as fuel prices continue to climb.

According to Sri Lankan government sources, the incident occurred near Visuvamadu, 365 kilometers (228 miles) north of Colombo, when a throng flung stones at the station’s guards.

According to Reuters, army spokesperson Nilantha Premaratne claimed, “A group of 20 to 30 people pelted stones and damaged an army truck.”

The conflict injured four civilians and three military, according to the police. The situation began when the fuel station ran out of gasoline, and the individuals that were present began to protest.

This was not an isolated incident as the troops were deployed near the fuel stations.

There were reports of a number of similar incidents all around Sri Lanka and at least six constables and seven motorists were injured as clashes took place in three different locations.

Along with the fuel crisis, the country is experiencing a severe food shortage, which the UN predicts will worsen in the next years, with millions of people in need of assistance.

Due to the ongoing situation in Sri Lanka, the government announced a shutdown of public sector workplaces and asked government schoolteachers to conduct online lessons.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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