First terror attack on sporting event since Munich deplored

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: The terrorists have become brutal enough to attack a sports event like a Marathon. The last such attack was in 1972 in Munich and according to accepted principles even terrorists do not attack sport events, Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadharsahana Yapa said.

On the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government had taken every possible step to safeguard the life of Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Minister Yapa told the Cabinet news briefing. The Minister pointed out that the Government has provided Minister Fernandopulle with high security including Special Forces and police security in addition to MSD security.

"On days when Parliament meets, 1,500 Security Forces personnel have been involved in ensuring security from Colombo to Katunayake. As we all are aware politicians have to be with the people.

Therefore politicians have to participate in public events even though they know the risk," said Minister Priyadarshana.

Minister Priyadarshana said that the late Minister was a real gentleman among gentlemen who had a kind heart. He always spoke for the people without considering party politics.

"The demise of a long time friend is a great loss not only for the Government but also for the whole country," Minister Priyadarshana said. Asked about the present issue in the JVP, he said it was an internal problem of that party.

Speaking on the economy and prices of commodities the Minister mentioned that the Government has intervened where necessary to bring down prices of commodities though the UNP National Organiser S.B. Dissanayake has said that there is an economic crisis in the country.

As a result of good governance the Government could reach 6.8 per cent economic growth. According to the Central Bank reports the unemployment rate has been reduced to six per cent.