(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Army, Navy, Air Force and Police spokesmen of the Ministry of Defense on Thursday in separate public appeals urged the general public not to be misled by rumors and misleading information.
The tri forces and police called upon everyone to support all security operations now underway across the country in order to restore normalcy and maintain law and order.
Police Media Spokesman Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara said that 15 teams of CID personnel are currently carrying out separate investigations and interrogations, headed by a Senior DIG and Superintendents of Police.
By Thursday (25) evening a total of 70 suspects have been taken into custody by the Police and other agencies. He requested anyone wishing to provide information regarding any suspicious movement or suspects to call No 118 or contact the MOD special operations unit through Tel No 011-2322485.
Military Spokesman Brigadier Sumith Atapattu, speaking on behalf of the Army said that over 10,000 Army personnel have been deployed across the country after Emergency Regulations were imposed.
Taking this tragedy as a challenge, he appealed everyone to cooperate with Security Forces to eliminate the terrorism. He also appeals the general public not to be misled by false information and rumors which would negatively affect the conduct of ongoing investigations. For any emergency, the public are requested to contact Tel Nos: 011-2434251, 011-4055105, 011-4055106, 0766911640. Bomb Disposal: 011 2433335.
Navy Spokesman Lieutenant Commander Isuru Sooriyabandara sought the support of all the people for conduct of security arrangements at different levels. He added that the Navy was able to apprehend 11 suspects during their security operations and urged fishermen, engaged in fishing activities to carry their ID cards, Registration Nos and other related documents when moving into the sea for fishing. Similarly, he underlined the fishermen trying to catch fish by illegal means in using explosives would also be arrested in the seas.
Air Force Spokesman Group Captain Gihan Seneviratne announced that the Air Force had deployed over 1,000 Airmen for security duties in and around the Colombo International Airport, Mattala, Ratmalana and Kalutara Airports. Similarly, he said that Air Force troops are currently engaged in security duties around vulnerable points, railway stations, air strips, public places, etc.
