Protests against the rise in food prices, the inability to meet basic needs, fuel shortages and power cuts due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka have been going on for weeks. On the evening of April 19, clashes broke out between the police and the demonstrators during the protests held in the Rambukkana town. As a result of the police using live rounds against the protesters, 1 person died and 12 people were injured, 2 of them in serious condition, in the clashes.
Police Spokesperson Nalin Thalduwa said in a statement that a brawl broke out after the police asked the protesters to leave the railway line that they had closed for hours. Thalduwa said the police officers used live rounds and tear gas to disperse the protesters that throwing stones and other objects to the police. Thalduwa announced that several police officers were injured during the clashes and were taken to the hospital.