Tuesday, 24th June 2014
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the IGP to take immediate legal action against persons issuing statements that cause communal dissension and rivalry in the country.
The President issued this directive at a special conference held with Muslim ministers and MPs at Badulla.
President Rajapaksa also directed the IGP to submit an urgent report about the damage caused to the No Limit Department Store in Panadura.
The President who expressed his regrets about the untoward incidents that occurred in Beruwala and Aluthgama, directed Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa to arrange the payment of compensation to persons who suffered property damage during these incidents.
President Rajapaksa said as a person who enjoyed a close and cordial relationship with the Muslim community, he would never leave room to cause any difficulties to them.
Emphasising that his government never condoned the activities of extremist groups, he said he would never hesitate to take whatever steps necessary to ensure peace in the country and safety of its people.
The President also dismissed as an utter falsehood the claim made by certain Muslim politicians that the government had a hand in the recent Aluthgama and Beruwela incidents.
The government treats all communities including the Muslim community on a fair and equal footing and would always ensure full protection for them, the President said adding that his government would never engage in expedient politics with an eye on elections and instead always acts in a manner that ensures the territorial integrity of the country and national unity.
