toxic gas being used to suppress protests: AKD

By Ajith Siriwardana  

 Claiming that two individuals who were exposed to a recent tear-gas attack had died, the National People’s Power (NPP) said yesterday they have reasonable doubt that toxic gas was being used to suppress protests taking place in the country.  

 NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told a news conference that NPP member Nimal Amarasiri died after being exposed to tear-gas attack during a protest carried out by the NPP and a security guard at the Colombo University also died after being exposed to a tear-gas attack.  

 “Nimal Amarasiri, who was exposed to tear-gas, had vomited and fainted after an hour or so and died unfortunately. He did not die due to a stampede, attack or run over by a vehicle during the protest. 

He died due to a reaction to the tear-gas. A security guard at the Colombo University, Priyantha Wanninayake, did not die due to an accident or shooting.,” he said.  
 Dissanayake said they have reasonable doubt that Chemical weapons or banned hazardous gas was being used to suppress protests   

Meanwhile Lawyers for National People’s Power (NPP), under Right to Information Act (RTI), have requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide a full report on the tear-gas and water which is being used to disperse protesters.  

 Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala said they handed over a letter consisting of a questionnaire to obtain details with regard to the tear-gas and water used to disperse protests.  
-NPP member Nimal Amarasiri died after being exposed to tear-gas attack during a protest carried out by the NPP and a security guard at the Colombo University also died after being exposed to a tear-gas attack