Mangala requests IGP to probe letter over security situation in the South

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera has requested the Police Chief to conduct an inquiry into a letter sent by an Assistant Education Director on the security of schools in the Southern Province.

Assistant Education Director R.B. Abeyratne, In a letter to all regional education directors, dated October 18, had stated that individuals could engage in acts of terrorism targetting the upcoming presidential election.

He had instructed to implement a special security plan in the Southern region especially in the vicinity of schools.

Minister Samaraweera, in his letter to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana Wickramaratne said that all Principals in Matara have been asked to carry out search operations at schools, and conduct meetings between teachers and parents from tomorrow.

"As a result of this, fear and uncertainty has been created among the public," the Finance Minister stated.

He added that the Southern Governor, Presidential Secretariat, intelligence units, and the Criminal Investigation Department have denied the existence of such a situation.

The Minister pointed out that even if a situation to that effect exists, it is the Chief Secretary of the Southern Provincial Council who should have issued a letter to that effect.

Accordingly, he called on the IGP to conduct an inquiry to determine whether the letter initiated by the assistant education director had been done with genuine intentions or with the motive of disrupting peace in the country.