The United National Party has condemned the shooting of protesters in Rambukkana by Police.
In a statement, the UNP said it demands a full and impartial investigation into the incident.
It said, demonstrators were demanding access to essential items and there was no clear reason for the use of deadly force.
The UNP noted that the deceased was a former member of the UNP Youth Wing.
Meanwhile, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene is reportedly travelling to Rambukkana to visit the family of the deceased as well as the other protesters who were injured in today’s clashes.
Meanwhile, according to Police, the number of injured in clashes between protesters and Police in Rambukkana has risen to 24.
Eight among the injured are reportedly Policemen. Police confirmed that officers opened fire at protesters after the situation in the area turned violent.
Protesters were blocking the main Kandy-Colombo railway line from Rambukkana from 1:30 this morning and also blocked the Rambukkana-Kegalle Road, and Kurunegala and Mawanella roads entirely demanding a solution to the fuel crisis.
The protesters also parked a diesel bowser across the rail track.
Railway authorities were compelled to cancel several trains owing to the disruptions along the railway line.
Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said Police requested protesters to disperse from the area several times.
The protesters attempted to set fire to the fuel bowser while a three-wheeler was torched by the protesters according to Police.
The Police Media Spokesman said since protesters were damaging public property, officers fired tear gas to disperse them.
He said protesters then retaliated and attempted to attack Police officers on duty.
SSP Nihal Thalduwa said they were unable to defuse the situation and gunshots were fired.
He said additional Police officers have been deployed to control the situation in Rambukkana.
Meanwhile, the Kegalle Hospital confirmed to NewsRadio that several persons have been admitted with serious injuries following the incident in Rambukkana.
Meanwhile, Police curfew has been imposed within the Rambukkana Police area.
