Maithripala cracks whip

Ridma Dissanayake

The government will take action against persons or groups trying to create a conflict among the Sinhalese and the Muslims, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary and Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday.

"Sri Lanka suffered due to the three decade conflict. President Mahinda Rajapaksa created a peaceful country by ending the war. We should not forget the difficulties we faced due to the tense situation in the past among communities in Sri Lanka," the minister said.

Addressing a special press briefing at his residence, Minister Sirisena said bankrupt political parties were trying to gain political mileage by attempting to make the government unpopular among the masses.

The minister on behalf of the government and the SLFP, urged all Sri Lankans to be vigilant of the activities of certain groups out to create unrest among the public.

"These groups are attempting to create ethnic disharmony and disturb peace. It is the responsibility of the public to protect the hard earned peace achieved by the Security Forces under the guidance of President Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa," he said.

President Rajapaksa, the Defence Secretary, Tri-Forces Commanders and the IGP have instructed the Security Forces and the Police to take action to prevent incidents among communities, the minister said.

Replying to a question, he said: "Several parties are trying to point out that the recent incidents were carried out on the guidance of the government. I emphasise that the government had never and will never get involved in such things to remain in power like some bankrupt political parties."

Sirisena urged the public not be provoked by rumours spread by baseless groups and organisations.

"We will take strong legal action against persons who spread rumours and trying to create a conflict among communities in Sri Lanka," the minister said.