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Mechanism to prevent further escalation of violence
In the aftermath of the flare up in Aluthgama and nearby areas, several Buddhist and Muslim religious leaders backed by politicians agreed to set up a mechanism to prevent further escalation of violence, officials said.
Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, in his capacity as Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs, chaired a meeting at the Kalutara District Secretariat today. The meeting was attended by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, Ministers MaitripalaSirisena, S.B. Dissanayake, Dallas Alahapperuma and Kumara Welgama, several district politicians, Police Chief N.K. Ilangakoon and other senior police officers.
Police said Sunday’s riots at Aluthgama and Dharga Town had left two people dead and 36 injured while several houses and shops were either burnt down or damaged. The injured were admitted to Nagoda General Hospital.
They said the deceased were identified as Mohamed Zahran (38) and Mohamed Shiraz (36) of Welipitiya.
A Buddhist monk, three police officers including an inspector, a sergeant and three constables, the Aluthgama Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa correspondent SarathSiriwardene were among those injured.
Minister A.H.M. Fowzie pointed out that the situation had now been brought under control and that it was the responsibility of all concerned to join hands to maintain law and order.
SLMC Parliamentarian M.S.M. Aslam and Western Provincial Councillor M.M.M. Amraz also spoke to the media. (Kelum Bandara and Sunil Thanthriarachchi)
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