Persons against country behind past incidents - Religious leaders

Nethali STRUYS

Religious leaders said yesterday that certain individuals who do not like to see the county being developed after the 30 year war, were involved in a series of incidents that took place in several parts of the country during the past few weeks.

They stressed the need to arrest this trend immediately to eliminate the fear psychosis among the public.

Addressing a press conference at the Information Department over the series of incidents involving 'suspicious characters' the religious leaders said that they are bound to educate the people to maintain law and order in the country.

The religious leaders stressed that these elements should not be allowed to mislead the people by this type of tactics and hamper the country's development.

Ven Kamburugamuwe Vajira Thera said anti-government elements and groups are behind the 'suspicious characters' incidents.

"Forces trying to destroy the country's image came in various forms. First it showed up as the controversial Darusman report and then as the Channel 4 video. Now it is Suspicious Characters," Fr Sarath Hettiarachchi said.

He requested the public to be aware of the forces who are behind these rumors. Taking the law in one's own hands and acting without knowing the correct position has helped these groups, Ramsri Balachandra Kurukkal said.

Moulavi M S M Rasim Kafoor requested all communities to support the police and the army to protect the country. He said it is time to get-together as one and act with vigilance to protect the country's image. All religious leaders requested the public not to panic and get carried away by the rumours.