Concerns have been raised over a video showing Police officers using excessive force on residents of the Galbokka area in Weligama, Matara.
The incident had occurred when area residents had arrived to obtain their COVID-19 vaccine from a vaccination centre that was set up in the area yesterday.
A large number of people had gathered to obtain the vaccine, following which the centre had announced that it had run out of vaccine doses.
Despite the announcement, area residents had continued to gather and stay at the premises of the vaccination centre.
A group of Police officers, including the Officer-in-Charge of the Weligama Police station had arrived at the location to disperse the crowd.
However, it was observed that some Police officers were using excessive force, by using their batons on the residents who had gathered at the vaccination centre.
Video footage on the incident which was shared on social media by former Mayor of Weligama Rehan Jayawickreme has gained criticism over the actions of the Police officers. (NewsWire)
The HQI of the Weligama police in action.
This was during a vaccination drive in Weligama Today. @SriLankaPolice2 #lka#weligama #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/yF2VvFDAXY
— Rehaan Jayawickreme(RJ)රෙහාන් ජයවික්රම (@RehanJayawick) September 2, 2021