COLOMBO, Nov 11, Reuter: Fifteen people were shot dead, 28 wounded and 2,000 detained in a national protest day called by Marxist rebels trying to overthrow the Sri Lanka government, security sources said on Friday.
The Government warned again on Friday that demonstrator’s would be shot on sight after thousands of protestors on Thursday ignored a curfew and warning shots.
More than 2,000 demonstrators and a number of activists who incited workers to strike have been detained and are being questioned to determine if they are members of the Marxist People’s Liberation Front (JVP), the sources said.
A government statement said: “The public are warned against participating in illegal demonstrations, violating curfews and inciting workers in work places.
“Any persons committing such acts will be shot on sight by the security forces.”
The Government said hundreds of workers who did not report for work on Thursday in essential services would be sacked.
The Marxist rebels mounted violent street demonstrations and organized a crippling strike on Thursday demanding the immediate resignation of President Junius Jayewardene and his government.
Thousands of tourists are leaving the country on the advice of the government.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 18, 1988
