PM urges not to drive people to extremism by religious fanaticism and racism

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday said a methodology will be devised preventing Islamic State (IS) terrorism to raise its head again in the country by safeguarding the law and order of the country.

This was revealed by the Premier when met with a group of representatives of civil societies and trade union collective at Temple Trees. 

Civil societies and trade union representatives have inquired the Prime Minister about the political and institutional responsibilities which have failed to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks and also on the security situation in the country after the attacks.

The Premier has responded saying that the parliamentary select committee has been appointed to investigate the issue. He has also stated that the Speaker has agreed to open the proceedings through the media in order for people to gain access to the activities of the PSC.

“Today we have taken all the measures to restore law and order. We’ve been able to observe Ramadan, We’ve been able hold prayers, Sunday Mass, and Vesak Poya has been observed very, very successfully.”

He said schools have started and life is getting back to normal. In the meantime, the security forces and police have been able to apprehend everyone involved in the attacks and detained while legal proceedings are yet to be decided by the Attorney General.

“But this doesn’t mean that this is the end of this type of terrorism. We now have to take certain measures of counter-terrorism to ensure that the country will not face terrorism again,” the Premier cautioned adding that the Government is discussing the counter-terrorism measures that are being taken and presented.

“We have also had the help of the Muslim community in bringing about many changes and suggestions - Madrasa education bill not allowing sharia universities, ensuring name boards in only the three national languages,” the Premier said.

He pointed out that the attacks in Sri Lanka is one instance that the ISIS did not have the support of the local Muslim community for their actions and that should be maintained.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe requested not to drive people to extremism by supporting religious fanaticism and racism.

“We must maintain it that way and not allow extremism to come in, racial and religious hatred to come in, whereby driving some people to the other side.”

The Premier said the Government wants all matters investigated and will also appoint a resident committee of Parliament to look into all the incidents and circumstances surrounding the Easter bomb blasts.

When the motion was approved and Speaker was naming the members to the PSC, the Premier said he had requested that the Speaker give an interim report firstly on Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.

Allegations have been made against the Minister by the media linking him with some others involved in the terrorist attack, but the Minister has denied any involvement and claimed that the allegations are false.

The Premier said the PSC is a good forum to investigate the allegations against Minister Bathiudeen. He expressed regret that the members of the Opposition decided not to participate in the PSC and urged the members of the opposition to rethink their decision.

“But we want this to be transparent as possible. Therefore, for the first time, the Speaker, after discussion with us, decided to allow the media to cover the total proceedings, evidence being given, people being questioned, and the answers that they will give so the country itself can see the proceedings and the committee reports then will also have to reflect the proceedings and the actual temperament of the country.”

Ven. Dambara Amila Thero, Dr. Vikramabahu Karunaratne, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Saman Ratnapriya and several others also participated in the discussion.