US concerned over violence in Weliweriya

9 August 2013 08:26 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United States on Friday expressed its concern over the shooting incident in Sri Lanka that resulted in the death of three people, and communicated its concerns to the Rajapakasa Government.

"We are concerned by recent violent incidents including shootings in Weliweriya, Sri Lanka.

"We are particularly concerned by reports that people seeking refuge in a Catholic church were attacked there, there is never any excuse for violence attack particularly in a house of worship," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

The United States offers it condolences to the family of the deceased and injured and continue to urge all sides to exercise restraint and respect right to people protest, she said.

"We communicated our concerns as well to the Government of Sri Lanka," Psaki said in response to a question on killing of three unarmed civilians by the Sri Lankan army after residents of this township, northeast of Colombo, and surrounding villages were protesting a factory's discharges of chemical waste that were polluting drinking water.

The government argues the military was acting in self-defence as the protesters threw gasoline bombs.

The Rajapaksha Government has announced compensation to the victims.(PTI)

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Comments - 18

TMA Friday, 09 August 2013 12:40 PM

FYI, Guantanamo atrocities have been court martialled. When does that happen in Sri Lanka?

Romano Sunday, 11 August 2013 12:12 PM

Well aren't you concerned about the drone attacks? The number of innocent civilians you killed. Don't point fingures when you have blood in your hands

saman rathnayaka Sunday, 11 August 2013 06:29 AM

thank you for the concern,also concern about drone killings in Pakistan.Afghanistan and other parts of the world,already killed over 3500 civilians include over 1000 children.

Kapila Saturday, 10 August 2013 03:49 AM

Janaka, when the same violence come to you nobody will be there to rescue you, if you think in this way.

janaka Saturday, 10 August 2013 02:35 AM

Ha ha ...new US agents.are justifying US actions in Guantanamo. Why dont you go to US to kiss US A.......

kuma Saturday, 10 August 2013 01:35 AM

no need intetnational influence. sri lankans are inteligent enough to solve such issues. wd can see how inteligent we are frm next electin.

Pasel Friday, 09 August 2013 07:08 PM

Never these guys promoted as ambassadors

amare Friday, 09 August 2013 05:37 PM

idiotic statement.

Hoona Friday, 09 August 2013 04:44 PM

This is laughable to say the least. In the USA each day over 83 people are killed by gun violence. [over 30,000 a year} & they are worried about 3 people killed in a fracas in S/L?

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 09 August 2013 09:13 AM

Weliveriya and Noori incidents are more than enough to brand this country as one with the worst record of human rights violations.

PRASANNAJIT Friday, 09 August 2013 12:34 PM

The statement gives ample justification for your name.

zeylanicus Friday, 09 August 2013 11:51 AM

So why hasn't any succeeding governments taken any actions about those ?

gon rala Friday, 09 August 2013 11:11 AM

Barbarians existed in 80s when UNP ruled & massacred civilians by burning them on roads, were you sleeping ?

MagodisThuma Friday, 09 August 2013 11:09 AM

Sri Lanka Concerned about Guantanamo-bay !

MrKasthu Friday, 09 August 2013 10:54 AM

Killing of civilians by drone attacks are well justified !!!

janaka Friday, 09 August 2013 10:32 AM

US please mind your owned business

saradiyal Friday, 09 August 2013 10:27 AM

There is no point issuing statements, we need tangible action against this barbaric regime.

Miaman Friday, 09 August 2013 09:57 AM

Kill and pay compensation, that sounds like a new way to stop protesting

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US concerned over violence in Weliweriya

Comments - 18

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