Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and the United National Party General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam visited the Hettipola Mosque and visited Kuliyapitiya and Panduwasnuwara after observing the present situation. The Premier visited the Kottanpitiya mosque in Kurunegala district that was vandalized by a mob. Maha Sangha of the area were also present at the place.
Afterwards, The Prime Minister inspected shops that have been damaged by the mobs at the Karanthippala area in Kuliyapitiya. The Premier visited the Office of the Superintendent of Police of the Kuliyapitiya and discussed about future steps to be taken to ensure peace in the area. Addressing a media briefing held in front of the Kuliyapitiya Police Superintendent's Office after the tour this morning, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the Tri forces and the Police were given all powers and responsibilities to maintain law and order in the country to ensure security and peace.
Wickremesinghe said that the cabinet of Ministers was summoned last night and discussed with the heads of the three armed forces and the IGP to overcome the unrest in the conflict hit areas.The Premier said that no space will be given to sabotage the Wesak festival while intimidating innocent people.
"We came here today to inspect the current situation. Easter services were disrupted by the terrorist activities and we cannot allow the saboteurs to disrupt the Vesak festival as well. We decided to take all necessary steps at the cabinet meeting yesterday. All necessary powers have been given to the police and the armed forces to ensure the peace and security of the country," he said.
The Premier said arrangements will be made to commemorate Vesak celebrations peacefully providing police protection to the needy areas and urged the general public to extend their fullest support to the Tri Forces and the Police to carry out their duties.
The Prime Minister said he expects to make the necessary decisions at the next cabinet meriting to provide relief to the people affected by the violence.
Ministers, Rauf Hakeem, Kabir Hashim, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and Ravi Karunanayake, State Minsters J C Alawathuwala and Faizal Cassim, Parliamentarians Thushara Indunil, Alisahir Moulana and Indika Bandaranayake were among those who participated in the occasion.
