Govt. wants root causes of communal violence investigated

Thursday, 30 May 2019 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says approximately 14 mosques, 96 shops and 86 houses damaged
Calls for investigations into how the unrest started and who was responsible
Suggests investigation into Kurunegala doctor should be done by SL Medical Council
Questions whether President has enough time to oversee Law and Order Ministry

By Ruwandi Gamage

The Government yesterday called for a comprehensive Police investigation into the anti-communal violence that took place earlier this month, destroying approximately 14 mosques, 96 shops and 86 houses in Minuwagoda, Negombo and Kurunegala.

Development Strategies and International Trade Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara

According to Development Strategies and International Trade Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara, an extensive investigation should be carried out by the Police regarding the violence that took place three weeks after the Easter Sunday attacks.

“Four mosques in Bingiriya, more than 10 mosques in Panduwasnuwara, about 96 shops and stores, and nearly 86 houses were destroyed during these mob attacks. Investigations must be focused on finding how this started in the first place and if there was any force behind it. This situation also increased economic pressure after the Easter attacks,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also questioned whether President Maithripala Sirisena had adequate time to properly oversee the Ministry of Law and Order and whether it was the reason why the racial unrest escalated even when the country was already under Emergency regulations.

“With all the responsibilities resting on the President, without even a deputy minister for the Ministry, given all the circumstances at present in the country, we question if the President has the time to daily time to devote to look into matters of law and order. We inquire if he should be heading the Ministry of Law and Order going forward,”

Commenting on the issue with regard to Dr. Siyabdeen Mohammed Safi, the gynaecologist from the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, Bandara said he believed the investigations must be scientific and should be headed by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

“The SLMC has said it has not received any official complaint regarding investigations. My personal opinion is that these investigations must be led by the SLMC, independently and scientifically, then take legal action if he is found guilty,” the Deputy Minister added.

Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe