Lawyer’s murder not within high security zone: Minister refutes allegations

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Colombo, Feb. 17 (Daily Mirror) - Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said today that Akuregoda, where the murder of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife took place recenlty, is not a high security zone as claimed.

Responding to a question by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Minister told Parliament that this area has not been declared a high security zone. 

The Opposition Leader said he was surprised over the Minister's claim that the area is not a high security zone as the defence headquarters is located some 600 metres away from the location. 

"How do you claim that it is not a high security zone? Even the public is aware of this," he said. 

The Minister said security forces have confirmed that the particular area has not been declared as a high security zone.

The Minister also said that the shooting is an isolated incident and it is not a threat to national security.