Police curfew has been declared within the limits of Rambukkana police area with immediate effect.

The curfew order will be effective until further notice, the Police Spokesman said.

The move came after one person died this evening (April 19) following a clash between the protesters and the police during a demonstration staged in Rambukkana against the recent fuel price hike.

The victim, who was rushed to the Kegalle Teaching Hospital, was pronounced dead due to gunshot wounds, the director of the hospital Dr. Mihiri Priyangani confirmed.

At least 24 other injured persons including 08 police officers who were at the scene have also been admitted to the Kegalle Teaching Hospital. Several of them are reportedly in critical condition.

As per reports, one of them is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of the Kegalle Teaching Hospital.

Earlier this evening, it was reported that the police had fired tear gas to disperse the protesters who were blocking the level crossing in Rambukkana for more than 15 hours.

Later, a tense situation had ensured, during which the police opened fire at the protesters.

People in Rambukkana, who were standing in long queues to obtain fuel since early this morning (April 19), had staged a protest in the town, completely blocking the area. They had blocked all entry and exit roads to Rambukkana town, urging the authorities to provide fuel at previous rates.

Vehicular movement on roads and train operations on the Main Line were thereby hindered by the demonstration.