Govt. braces to face riots and uprisings

23 January 2013 04:14 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 38 Bookmark

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In an effort to strengthen the police to counter any people’s uprising, the Government has spent Rs.17.37 million to replenish its arsenal of riot control equipment by buying a large quantity of rubber batons, helmets, gas masks and tear gas canisters, Parliament was informed.

The purchases include 3,300 of CS Grenades (tear gas), 1,400 CS Shells (tear gas), 1000 Gas Masks, 2,500 riot helmets, 1,000 riot shields and 2,500 rubber batons. Chief Government Whip and Minister Dinesh Gunawardane gave these details in response to a question asked by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP Sunil Handunnetti.

The minister, who responded on behalf of the Defence Ministry, said the equipment was bought because the available stocks had become worthless due to overuse. He said the new equipment would be released to all the police stations. Raising a supplementary question, Mr. Handunnetti asked whether wooden bars had been supplied to the police to counter riots. The minister responded by saying it was not a relevant question.
“We want to have a better idea about the riot control capability of police before we plan our actions in future. Can you let us know what it is,” Mr. Handunetti asked “It appears that you love to be tear-gassed,” the minister said. (KB & YP)