Minor incident being escalated into racial issue in Galle - Vajira

Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena today expressed his utmost regret on behalf of the government with regard to a minor incident in Ginthota, Galle escalating out of control and developing into a tense situation. 

The UNP Galle District leader also said that he will accept complete responsibility on behalf of the government to prevent this situation from further escalating.  

He said that additional police teams from surrounding police stations, riot squads, Special Task Force (STF) and tri-forces personnel have been called into last night in order to bring the situation under control. 

According to report, several houses and shops have been attacked by angry mobs in the Gintota area. 

Meanwhile police curfew has been imposed in Kurunduwatta, Maha Hapugala, Welipitimodara, Ukwatta, Ginthota and Piyandigama Grama Sevaka Divisions in the Galle District until 9.00am today (18) due to the tense situation. 

The minister said that the decision to impose police curfew in these areas was taken after discussing the matter with Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

He emphasized that a small section are escalating a minor incident into racial tension expecting narrow-minded political gain and therefore requested the residents in these areas to not be misled by their instigation. 

He urged everyone to return to the safety of their homes as security has been tightened in these areas. The minister said that the police have been instructed to arrest any and all persons involved in any acts of violence or riots and strictly implement the law against them.