Fisherman killed in fuel price hike protest

Thursday, 16 February 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

One person was killed and several others received injuries during a demonstration held by the fishermen in Chillaw yesterday against the fuel price hike, the police said.

Sri Lanka Police Media Spokesperson Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana said an individual died due to gunshot injuries at an unruly protest held in Chilaw.

The police had fired tear gas to disperse the unruly demonstrators who hailed objects at the police. Several constables too were reportedly injured.

The police spokesman added that three others injured have been admitted to the Chilaw Hospital.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K. Ilangakoon has said that a special team from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been sent to Chilaw to investigate the shooting.

A large number of policemen and Special Task Force (STF) personnel were deployed to the area Monday when the fishermen along the coastal line between Negombo and Mannar took to the streets blocking the main Colombo-Chilaw road.

The fishermen have staged a protest yesterday also despite the Government’s pledge to provide a fuel subsidy to the fishermen.