Do people want an era of mystery killings? PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today questioned the people in the North whether they wanted an era where mysterious killings take place once again.

The Prime Minister who made this query while speaking at a function in Jaffna said there were a number of killings during the past era which remained unsolved to date.

“TNA MP Raviraj was killed on the road while travelling. MP Maheswaran was killed while engaging in religious observances at Sivam Kovil. Six journalists attached to the Udayan newspaper were also killed. All these remain a mystery,” the Prime Minister said.

“We heard the Leader of the Opposition and the SLPP leaders saying the other day that people have got frightened of bombs today and such things did not happen during their rule. We accept that the Easter Sunday bomb attacks took place during our time. Most of those who were responsible for the attacks are behind bars today. A commission was appointed by the President to look into Easter Sunday bombings. A Parliamentary Select Committee is also appointed to look into the issue,” the Prime Minister said.

“If SLPP leaders say there were no killings and terror during their time, how was it that MPs Raviraj was killed on the road and Maheswaran was killed at Sivam Kovil. Sivam Kovil is close to the Colombo Port which is heavily guarded. People are not killed by the roadside today. Law and order are being maintained to prevent killings. People should decide whether they want an era where mysterious killings take place once again,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister pledged to restore the places of worship that were destroyed during the war.

The Prime Minister made this pledge when he met the Hindu clergy in Jaffna earlier today. He said new places of worship will be constructed if needed. The Prime Minister also said he will discuss the matter with the officials of the Archaeological Department shortly. (Yohan Perera)