Minister Mathripala Sirisena today insisted that there is absolutely no connection between the Bodu Bala Sena organization and the government. He said that certain groups with vested interests are making such accusations.

The Health Minister made these comments in response to a question by journalists at a press conference today (31).

Opposition parties and other groups have claimed that the Buddhist nationalist group is secretly funded by the government.

When asked why police officers just stood and watched as the clothing store in Pepiliyana was being attacked by a angry mob, Maithripala said that if it is true then the police officers were at fault.

He, however, stressed that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and that the police and army will be utilized to protect the law and order.  

The minister said that while the government deplores such acts of violence, legal action will be taken against those involved.

Six suspects have been arrested over the incident, which took place on Thursday (28) when a mob had stoned and later set fire to a store and warehouse in Pepiliyana, causing severe damage to property and injuring at least three people.

The suspects, including a millionaire businessman, have been remanded until April 02 by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.