Sri Lankan Army has initiated an enquiry into the death of a civilian during a protest against the poor water quality in a small town in the country's northwest.
A five-member board would investigate into all allegations against the military including the alleged assault on civilians and the killing of a youth in Weliweriya, Military Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said yesterday.
A 17-year-old student died of gun shot injuries on Thursday, while over 30 others were injured when the residents of Weliweriya got into the streets demanding pure drinking water for the area.
"The Commander of the Army has appointed the Adjutant General Jagath Dias to probe the incident and report to him," Wanigasuriya said.
Television footage showed that soldiers charged into protesters who hurled debris at them during the protest. Villagers, who had blocked the vital A1 highway, alleged that the Army assaulted them and opened fire on them.
Residents of Weliweriya alleged that their ground water has been contaminated by acid waste, dumped by a nearby rubber gloves manufacturing plant. They have been demanding action for several weeks, leading to Thursday's police and military crackdown.
Meanwhile, the government has said that they would provide drinking water to the residents until a permanent solution could be found. The factory will be shut for two weeks for now.
