Terror attack imminent, Government warns

Chaminda PERERA

COLOMBO: Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said yesterday that there could be a terrorist attack in the country within the next 48 hours.

Addressing the media at the Government Information Department the Minister said intelligence agencies have informed the Government of possible terrorist attacks within the next 48 hours and all police stations and army camps have been put on alarm.

Under these circumstances the Opposition has called for a strike with a clear motive of putting the country’s security at stake he said.

The attempt to go for a strike on July 10 is unfair, biased and would make no impact on the Government.

Some trade unions are being taken for a ride by political parties to achieve their petty objectives, said Media Minister Lakshman Yapa.

The motive of the strike is clearly evident when JVP Parliamentarian Lal Kantha’s recent speech is taken into account. He demanded the postponement of election among other conditions to call off the strike. The trade unionists or workers have nothing to do with the elections, he said.

The JVP’s internal crisis has deepened and they are not in a position to face an election. What they want to is cover up their shortcomings and setbacks through the proposed strike which would never materialise, he said.

The President at a meeting with the TU leaders has pledged to increase the Government servants’ salaries at the next budget and they have acceded. All right thinking people are with the Government.