PM orders another inquiry into alleged police inaction in Ampara incident

• DIG in Batticaloa to conduct comprehensive investigation into Ampara upheaval

The Law and Order Ministry yesterday instructed the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Batticaloa District to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the upheaval which took place between two groups in Ampara last week. 

In a statement the ministry said it hadreceived several complaintsover law and order shortcomings during the clash in Ampara last week. 

“We have received complaints that there were lapses in enforcing law and order. We have also received complaints that the B Report submitted to the court was incomplete,” the statement said.

Reflecting on the complaints regarding the incident in Ampara last Tuesday (27 February), the ministry had instructed the DIG in charge of the Batticaloa District to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

The ministry also assured that compensation would be paid in a fast-tracked manner for damaged private propertyand for the reconstruction of a mosque. 

It stated that law and order would be enforced impartiallyso that in the future people would have faith in the law.

The statement added that stern legal action would be taken against any individual responsible for initiating unrestby spreading propaganda which incited racial and religious clashes or tense situations regardless of their status.

The Ministry conveyed its appreciation of all religious leaders, media institutions and members of various ethnicities that acted responsibly in accordance with the law to mitigate the crisis in the area.