PM calls for increased security in N-E

by Rohan Mathes

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse instructed the Defence Ministry Secretary and the IGP to beef-up security in the North-East, to ensure the safety of civilians domiciled there.

The Prime Minister gave these instructions when he met them at Temple Trees yesterday to discuss the tense situation and suffering faced by the Muslim community following the Kalmunai incident on Thursday.

Condemning the slayings, Rajapakse underscored the importance of establishing an environment where the people could act independently at the Presidential election. He urged the security personnel to take prompt action in bringing those responsible for the dastardly act to book.

Ministers Najeeb A. Majeed, Anwer Ismail, Hussain Baila and Sripathi Suriyarachchi, Defence Ministry Secretary Tilak Ranaviraja, IGP Chandra Fernando and representatives of the Eastern province and the Armed Services participated.