Vasu wants immediate action against extremists
Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said he is yet to receive a response from the President to his letter calling for immediate action against rising communal tension within the country.
"No I have not received a response yet" the National Languages and Social Integration Minister said.
In a letter dated February 26th the Minister urged the President to take action against rising communal tensions spearheaded by the 'Bodu Bala Sena' and called it an 'extremist group which has threatened to take the law into its hands'.
When questioned as to the delay in realising the rising tension, Nanayakkara said he had realised it instantly.
The Minister said the entire issue is not confined to the 'Halal certification' alone, and goes beyond it, resulting in communal disharmony within the country
"The realisation was instant but the action had to be carefully contemplated after considering the prevailing situation in the country. I found it my duty to take on this issue with the President as the entire facet comes directly within the purview of my ministry" he said.
The Minister said the entire issue is not confined to the 'Halal certification' alone, and goes beyond it, resulting in communal disharmony within the country.
"The only issue that was taken up in cabinet was regarding the Halal Certification process, and the cabinet sub committee appointed have submitted their recommendations but the issue goes beyond this," he said. The hardline leftist, whose role during the 18th amendment and the impeachment
was roundly criticised said, he is hopeful the government would take immediate action to arrest the trend.
"This must be discussed at both government level and water down to the lowest levels of the political machinery with the support of the opposition parties if they are of the same view" he said.
Nanayakkara said there is a great need for creating awareness among the masses.
"Awareness must be created on misleading propaganda and infuriating comments and it is necessary to diffuse rising tensions. It is my responsibility as the Minister in charge of these issues to bring this to the notice of the President" he said.