US seeks probe on excessive use of force at fuel stations

The United States (US) has called for an investigation into any excessive use of force at fuel stations in Sri Lanka.

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung urged the authorities to exercise restraint under these difficult circumstances.

“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,” she tweeted.

Earlier, the UN Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy said she was troubled by the images of violence in petrol queues, involving the Police and 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,” she tweeted.

A number of incidents have been reported at fuel stations across the country as the public wait in long queues for fuel. (Colombo Gazette)