PM lauds security forces for eliminating terrorism within two months

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today (Jun 21) commended the services of the security forces which has helped eliminate terrorism from the country within a short period of two months.

Addressing an event in Tawalama, Mr. Wickremesinghe lauded the security forces who had apprehended all suspects linked to the Easter Sunday bombings since June 21.

"All those who were involved with the terrorist group have either been arrested or have committed suicide," he emphasised adding that all those who maintained even the slightest of links with terror attacks mastermind Mohamed Zahran are being questioned.

However, Mr. Wickremesinghe said that it is important to ensure that the Muslim community is not harassed at this time since such they could be provoked to engage in extremist activities.

"If we corner the Muslim community then we are betraying the lives of the security forces who donated three of their lives (while carrying out operations into the terrorist attacks)," the Prime Minister said.

He also called on the Police to release or obtain bail for those who do not have links with the terrorist attacks. "If these suspects had committed other offences then action could be taken against them under the relevant laws," Premier Wickremesinghe pointed out.