Help end abductions

President tells all communities:

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday appealed to all sections of the community to shun petty party politics and rally round the Government to crush the ongoing conspiracy of abductions for ransom and extortion from top businessmen in Colombo.

At a meeting with leading businessmen in Colombo, to ascertain the security situation in the city and the safety of the Muslim business community at Temple Trees, President Rajapaksa asserted that he would not permit any harassment to any one community and directed the IGP to investigate and report at the ‘follow-up’ meeting scheduled for next Monday with the Defence Secretary.

The President said it is evident that a conspiracy is under way to create a ‘fear psychosis’ in the minds of the business community, with the intention of tarnishing the good image and the goodwill of the Government and for certain parties to capture power prematurely.

All allegations of the so-called abductions and extortions are based purely on heresy and rumours, mainly originating from overseas by e-mail and mobile phone. It is an organised campaign which the Government is obliged to investigate.

“Be assured that there would not be any elections at this juncture. We will run our full term of office. You can use your free franchise and elect the party of your choice at the next elections. However, until then I seek your fullest co-operation and support to nab the culprits. It is a national cause which warrants the assistance of all concerned. The Government doesn’t need this money. Trust us and provide us the required information sans fear,” the President said.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that there are 18 Muslim Ministers, two Governors and two advisors in his Government who ought to take the initiative, liaise and communicate with those concerned and even originate the complaints where necessary.

The President added that they ought to be rational in the process and explore all possibilities when investigating.

Hotlines to call

President Rajapaksa told the businessmen to appoint their own committees and provide any information by contacting Assistant Secretary Deepa Liyanage on 2380792, Fax 4733666 and Mobile Phone 077 3418816 and SSP Anura Senanayake on 2333496.

He also directed the IGP to provide more vehicles with communication facilities, to augment the existing fleet.