by Janaka Alahapperuma

A special police unit to be established within the Religious Affairs Ministry to inquire complains regarding future religious conflicts and incidents, President Rajapaksa revealed at a meeting with editors of national newspapers and representatives of the print and electronic media at Temple Trees this morning (24 April).

The President said that the decision had been taken following a discussion he had with the Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon the previous day. The Police Unit will be set up under the guidance of the Police chief. The President also stated that no individuals will be allowed to take the law into their hand purposely. He also said that he expect to discuss these matters with all religious leaders of different denominations.

Measures are now in place to establish this Special Police Unit at the request of the President on next Monday, IGP Ilangakoon said. This unit is to intervene and solve incidents of conflict and is responsible for taking measures against any incidents.

Ministers Prof G.L.Peiris, Dullas Alahapperuma, Basil Rajapaksa, and Keheliya Rambukwella, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the External Affairs Ministry, Kshenuka Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon and  Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana were present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, at a media briefing at the Police Headquarters, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana expressed views with respect to the establishment of this Special Police Unit. SSP Ajith Rohana said that on the instructions of the President this Special Police Unit will be established at the fifth floor of the Buddha Sasana Ministry at 135, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 07 on Monday the 28th. It will be known as the unit in relation to complaints on religious activities. The Police Media Spokesman added that it will be headed by an ASP. In addition there will be a Chief Inspector and six male and female Police Constables.