Tri-forces instructed to open fire when required to prevent violence

The tri-forces are instructed to use necessary force to prevent vehicles checking by unlawful gangs or violent groups, incidents of damaging public or private property, looting and assault, the Ministry of Defence says.

They are also directed to also open fire when required, the ministry noted in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police said that the curfew order will be strictly enforced, especially tonight, and urged the general public to stay home as much as possible.

The police media division also said that all police stations are instructed to exercise maximum force to prevent vehicle searches by unruly mobs or violent groups and incidents of damaging public or private property, looting and assault.

Police officers are further directed to open fire when necessary in order to prevent such incidents.