The Sri Lanka Army has issued a clarification pertaining to the deployment of military personnel to assist the Police to distribute fuel in a fair manner to the public.
Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Army said on instructions of the government, Tri-Forces members led by the Sri Lanka Army have been called for duties in accordance with provisions of the Armed Forces Act to assist Police personnel engaged in coordinating the distribution of fuel stocks to filling stations island-wide in the midst of the prevailing fuel crisis.
The statement said Security Force members have been compelled to resolve or confront various tense situations, including some indecent, aggressive and provocative instances, some of which the Police have already confirmed as executed purposely by certain elements with vested interests while all the efforts for fair distribution of fuel are being made by the troops in a transparent manner since the Police have sought assistance to control such groups.
The statement was issued over an Army Officer assaulting a member of the public at the Yaggapitiya filling station in the Doratiyawa Police Division.
The Sri Lanka Army said the Security Force Headquarters – West under the directives of the Commander of the Army promptly appointed a five-member Court of Inquiry headed by a Brigade Commander to look into the incident.
Necessary measures will be taken in connection with the army officer based on the recommendations of the Court of Inquiry once investigations conclude.
