Stern action against those involved in violent acts: Defence Secy.

● Damages caused to properties and vehicles yet to be assessed ● Won’t allow Sri Lanka to become another Libya ● Urges religious leaders not to make inciteful statements in public

Stern action would be taken against all those involved in violent acts such as vandalism and arson after May 9 irrespective of party politics, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said yesterday.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry of Defence, He said action would be taken against responsible persons after analysing CCTV footage and video clips.

He said nine persons including two police officers were killed 136 incidents of causing damages to properties and 41 incidents of setting fire to vehicles and 61 incidents of causing damages to vehicles were reported during the recent violent incidents.

Commenting on the damages caused to properties, he said damages caused due to the attacks had not yet been assessed as residents of those destroyed houses were still hiding to protect their lives. “The government will introduce a mechanism to compensate the victims following an assessment,” he said.

The Secretary said that the curfew was extended to protect the citizens of the country and that they will not allow Sri Lanka to become another Libya.

He said security forces were given shooting orders as some groups were behaving in a violent manner violating curfew orders as well. He said certain organized groups were attacking properties over personal matters and some had looted the properties.“we as security protecting citizens will not let this happen again,” he said

General (Rtd) Gunaratne also requested religious leaders including Mahanayake Theras and the Cardinal to consider the weight of their statements and urged them to refrain from making statements that would incite the public.

He also condemned the attack on opposition leader Sajith Premadasa at Galle Face Green on Monday.

Soon after a group of supporters of thhe SLPP attacked protesters at ‘Gotagogama’ Sajith Premadasa and JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake had arrived at the site and Premadasa had been attacked.

The Defence Secretary questioned how the Opposition Leader was attacked and another politician was allowed to enter the protest site with no hindrance. Meanwhile, responding to a question from a journalist with regard to the legitimacy of his post, following the resignation of the Prime Minister, the Secretary said that he has been constitutionally appointed to function as Defence Ministry Secretary.

Commenting on some allegations steps were being taken for a military rule, the secretary said that there will never be a military rule in Sri Lanka.

Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy

Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugatenna, Commander of the Air Force Sudarshana Pathirana also participated in the media briefing.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said that the situation in the country is normalizing and the tri forces will ensure safety of the general public.

He urged the public to cooperate with security forces to bring the country to normalcy when the curfew was lifted.

When a journalist questioned if India will send troops to Sri Lanka, General Silva said the security forces are capable of handling the security in the country and said that they will ensure the safety of the public.