Tsunami council will prove minorities are treated equally - Minister Seneviratna

by Eheliyagoda Special Correspondent, Nimal Wijayatunga

The proposed 'Tsunami' Relief Council must be set up without further delay not only to re-build the tsunami-hit areas in the North and East but also to show the world that the major community in the country is ready to treat Tamil minorities equally, said Minister of Justice and Judicial Reforms, W.D.J. Seneviratna.

He was addressing 48 police officers in Ratnapura and Kegalle districts who were appointed as all-island JPs at a ceremony held at Eheliyagoda 'Jilari' Hotel auditorium.

Minister Seneviratna pointed out that this was the very first time that police officers were appointed as JPs in the country.

He said, during the recent past, some JP appointments have been given even for the henchmen such as 'Bakki-Mudalalis' and salesmen. But the Sandhana Government trys its best to grant such posts to suitable citizens disregarding differences.

It is hoped to cancel some of the previously given JP posts to unsuitable individuals, he said.

As the, officials attached to 'Samatha Madalayas' and so on help to establish a peaceful atmosphere in their relevant areas, they too have to be given JP posts.

Minister Seneviratna pointed out that an up-to-date education in law especially law related to crimes must be given to police officers.

Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Suhada Gamlath said, the granting of JP posts for police officers is a praiseworthy task and it is very essential to educate police officers in law and law reforms.

We hope to do so through 'Educational-circles' islandwide, he said.

Ratnapura District Secretary, Malanie Premaratna said the yeoman service rendered by Ratnapura police officers during the tsunami disaster is praiseworthy.