Pepiliyana attack: govt took prompt action

Disna Mudalige

The government took prompt and firm action during the recent attack on a textile shop in Pepiliyana, Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

Responding to a question by a journalist at the Cabinet press briefing at the Information Department auditorium yesterday, the minister said the suspects involved in this incident were identified and arrested within a short period and measures were taken to bring the situation into normality. He said both parties involved in the incident arrived at a settlement, adding that if the complainant refuses to take forward the court case, the police or the court is unable to proceed on the matter. He said the government has never shielded law breakers.

Responding to another question on the recent attack of Udayan Newspaper, the minister said the government vehemently condemns the attack.

He said the attack under any reason could not be justified, adding that the police had been instructed to conduct investigations into this incident.

Yapa said the government does not approve this kind of violent activities.

The minister when inquired on the government stance over statements by Tamil Nadu politicians on Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam, said such statements by Eelam supporters are not considered seriously by the Sri Lankan government.

He said he has been appointed to coordinate the affairs with the Central Indian government since he is a skillful and senior diplomat.