Sri Lanka reviews report on clash for water

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The Sri Lankan army has received a report based on an investigation conducted by a military court of inquiry into a clash which took place between the army and a group of civilians this month, an army spokesman said on Thursday.

Villagers in Weliweriya, a town some 26 km away from the capital Colombo, clashed with the army on Aug. 1 during a protest demanding clean water.

Three people were killed and many others injured during the clash, including journalists, and the army was accused of firing live bullets towards the protesters.

Army spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya said that the report of an army court of inquiry has been handed over to Sri Lanka's army commander Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake.

Ratnayake is to now review the report on Weliweriya before the next step is taken including any disciplinary action against the troops, if they are found guilty.

Meanwhile Chief of Defence Staff and former army commander, General Jagath Jayasuriya said that the army chief will make some recommendations based on the findings of the report.

"This is not something that can be done in a day or two," Jayasuriya said.

He also said that the police was conducting its own investigations into the incident while a court case was also underway.

Meanwhile Wanigasuriya denied reports that civilians and journalists were "summoned" to give evidence to the army court of inquiry over the incident.

He said that only a "request" was sent out but some people had misinterpreted it as a summons.