Special police unit to maintain religious harmony

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles to take immediate action to establish a special police unit to investigate into and act on persons or groups that disrupt religious harmony.

The decision has been taken after intelligence services informed the President that certain groups are attempting to embarrass the government and disrupt the country’s stability again by creating religious disharmony.

After receiving the relevant intelligence information, President Wickremesinghe has instructed Minister Alles to take immediate action in this regard.

The new police unit that will be established is responsible for keeping an eye on such acts of sabotage and preventing any acts that disrupt religious harmony in the country.
Meanwhile, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said various elements with vested interests are eyeing to disrupt the prevailing peaceful situation in the country by igniting religious disputes.

Speaking to the media at the Ministry office in Colombo, the State Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining religious stability for a healthy society.

He said there are obvious signs that another crisis is being triggered in the country once again, especially at a crucial time when the country is on the path of recovery from a severe economic crisis acutely experienced in recent times.

“If a person or an organized group is trying to whip up communal sentiments or work with similar motives, then we will not hesitate to strictly enforce the law in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Constitution and the Penal Code,” he added.       

• If a person or an organized group is trying to whip up communal sentiments or work with similar motives, then we will not hesitate to strictly enforce the law