Sri Lanka: Fatalities reported following Colombo stampede May 21

Event

On Thursday, May 21, at least three people were reportedly killed and nine others injured in a stampede triggered by aid distribution in Colombo. A crowd of around 1000 had reportedly gathered to receive unofficial cash handouts at a warehouse in Maligawatte when the stampede occurred as the gates opened. The incident occurred despite a city-wide lockdown in the capital in place to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Government cash handouts have sparked similar incidents throughout Sri Lanka in May.

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions to travel are to be expected in the vicinity of the incident in the near term.

Advice

Members in Sri Lanka are advised to avoid large gatherings, follow government directives and monitor local media outlets for further information regarding the incident and any associated disruptions.