Tangalle incident:

Perpetrators will be dealt with - deputy minister

The government will take full responsibility in handling the Tangalle incident where a tourist met with his death and his companion injured. All suspects will be brought to justice irrespective of their rank or position, Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

Issuing a media release the deputy minister said: "I would like to inform you that the government of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Tourism jointly convey our deepest regret about the very unfortunate incident that took place in Tangalle on December 24 costing the life of a tourist and injuring his partner. The Police Department is conducting a full scale investigation about this incident and so far, within a 48 hour duration, five suspects, including the chief suspect, have been arrested. The weapon used to commit the crime too has been found by the Police. Special Police teams and a group of CID officers are deployed round the clock to further investigate the incident and arrest other suspects connected to this incident.

"The Russian lady who was injured in the clash, has been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo (Lanka Hospital) and she is undergoing further treatment now. We are constantly overlooking her condition and have made arrangements to provide the best of medical attention for her speedy recovery. Both the Russian ambassador and Sri Lankan ambassador in Moscow (Udayanga Weeratunga who is currently in Sri Lanka) have seen the patient who is recovering fast along with the chairman, the Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism and government representatives. The body of the tourist has been brought to Colombo and the British High Commission is awaiting instructions with regard to transportation of the remains to England from his family.

"The External Affairs Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism, the two embassies and the Ministry of Defence are fully employed in coordinating the investigations and updating the media, public and other stakeholders about the progress of this incident.

"As the government of Sri Lanka, we take full responsibility of handling this incident and all suspects will be brought to justice despite their ranks and positions. We strongly condemn what took place in Tangalle and express our condolence to the family of the victim and the injured.

"These incidents, though unfortunate, have happened in other tourist destinations in the past and can happen anywhere in the world.

"This will by no means overshadow the warmth that is offered to tourists by our hospitable nation and people and responsible service offered by the tourism industry. At the same time, we request the media and all concerned to work together to educate the public on the importance of taking care of the tourists who visit Sri Lanka, a country which is internationally recognised for being hospitable to visitors, for over 2,000 years."