Service chiefs report on Trincomalee situation to President

THE Defense Secretary, the three Service Commanders and the IGP called on President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga last afternoon. These five senior defence officials visited the Trincomalee district at the President's request.

They briefed the President on the current civil unrest and the steps taken to bring back normality to Trincomalee, a media release from the President's House states.

The special District Committees set up three years ago were reactivated to monitor and report on the situation in the area. In 2002, when there were sporadic attacks on the Muslim community in the Eastern Province, the President set up such committees. These committees were led by heads of service personnel in the area.

The other members comprised senior police personnel, local government authorities, religious leaders, civil society leaders and representatives of political parties.