Kiriella wants tight security at Kandy Perahera

Thursday, 1 August 2019 05:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella yesterday cautiously revealed the possible security threats pertaining to the Kandy Esala Perahera, which will commence in August.

Bringing the security issue before the House, the Minister held that security should be increased and the respective authorities should act accordingly. Requesting the Speaker to intervene in the security arrangements, Minister Kiriella said: “Security measures are required for the Kandy Perahera. It is an event vulnerable to a terrorist attack. Especially since people will be coming from all parts of the island to watch. It is very difficult to check each and everyone who comes to the traditional festival.”

“The Malwatte and Asgiriya Maha Nayaka Theros told me to request the State Minister for Defence and the Government to implement a special security mechanism for the Kandy Perahera. The annual Perahera is a vulnerable site,” he added. (AH)