Vavuniya prison drama, a ploy - Minister Gajadeera

Sandasen Marasinghe

Investigations are in progress to find out if the incident at the Vavuniya prison was staged with an intention of conveying a message to the international community that the LTTE was still in existence and to rejuvenate terrorist activities in the country, said Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera.

“The behaviour of the prisoners against the law enforcement, court orders, prison orders and other regulations is clear evidence to show they are none other than terrorists and they have not yet given up terrorism. He also stated the patience, discipline and intelligence of the STF and other Security Forces personnel enabled them to rescue the jailors. Minister Gajadeera made these observations at yesterday's press conference at the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry Auditorium.

He also said a special commission has been appointed to investigate the incident and also measures have been taken to close down the Vavuniya prison which is located in a small plot and covered by the buildings.

The minister said the government, however, will not deviate from its objective of rehabilitating ex -LTTE cadres and file court cases against the others whatever the obstacles created. He added that no force would be allowed to control the mechanism of the prison. He further stated this issue was created at a time when the government has established three Courts in Mannar, Anuradhapura and Vavuniya to accelerate the hearing of cases against LTTE suspects and most of the suspects have expressed their wish to be rehabilitated.

He further stated that out of 135 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres who were directed to the Sports Ministry for training six youth have come up to international standard. Those rehabilitated youth also have expressed their wish to support the government .