Public warned of possible black July strikes

Ranil Wijayapala

COLOMBO: Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella appealed to the public to be extra vigilant as the LTTE was preparing to shift their terror to Colombo following its humiliating defeat in the East.

The Minister said intelligence reports reaching the Government indicated that the LTTE was planning to create mayhem in the city especially during the Black July week.

Police Spokesman Senior DIG Jayantha Wickremaratna urged the public to be on maximum alert about suspicious vehicles since the LTTE could use them to wreak havoc in Colombo.

Citing examples of how the LTTE used vehicles targeting VIPs in Colombo, parking them at religious places and abandoned houses, DIG Wickremeratna said the Police welcomed information about such suspicious vehicles from the public.

He wanted the public to be especially wary of unattended vehicles over long periods and also vehicles parked in garages for long durations and in abandoned premises.

“People should also be alert for vehicles arriving at garages in a rush seeking emergency repairs and those attempting to dodge road blocks and security checking,” the DIG added. He said the public assistance is a must to curb such terrorist acts as Police and Security Forces alone cannot fulfil this task.