MPs urged to educate public on correct situation

Chaminda Perera

The President has directed Government Parliamentarians to educate the public on the correct facts with regard to the arrests of persons on Sunday.

Addressing Government Parliamentarians, President Rajapaksa has stressed the importance of dispelling attempts by certain politicians who are striving to create a wrong picture in the public mind to achieve petty political gains over the arrests of persons, said Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana.

The President has said these unscrupulous elements should not be allowed to put the country's security into jeopardy by crippling the strategies taken by the Security Forces to ensure the safety of all citizens. Abeywardana was speaking at a special media briefing at the Media Ministry.

He said the President has ordered the immediate release of detainees who have no involvement in terrorist activity. The Government is bound to protect the people of all communities following the twin blasts in Wellawatte and Nugegoda last week and responsible political parties should shun their differences and support this endeavour to strengthen national security, the Minister said.

"We have received information that some political parties are planing protest marches with the relatives of detainees and the Opposition's efforts to gain a narrow political advantage through this is despicable," he said.