Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met with representatives of the Civil Society and the Trade Union Collective at his official residence over the weekend.

The meeting took place on the invitation of the Prime Minister, those in attendance were; Ven. Dambara Amila Nayaka Thera, Dr. Wickremabahu Karunaratne, Dr. Paikaisothy Saravanamuttu, Dr. Jehan Perera, Prof. Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Saman Rathnapriya and Raja Uswetakeyiyawa.

During the meeting the Prime Minister briefed those in attendance on the security measures being implemented following both the Easter Sunday terror attack and the subsequent communal violence which erupted in several areas of the country.

The Prime Minister thanked the various groups for the unyielding corporation during this period of turmoil in ensuring peace was regained. “We've been able to observe Ramadan, we've been able to have the Friday prayers, we've been able to have the Sunday mass and we were able to peacefully observe Vesak very successfully” the Prime Minister stated at the meeting.

The meeting was informed that the Muslim community was assisting in ensuring that no further radicalisation would take place amongst the youth. He explained the measures being taken including the newly proposed Madrasa Education Bill and the amendments to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.

The Premier explained that a Parliamentary Select Committee was appointed by the Speaker of Parliament to inquire into the Easter Sunday terror attacks. He further added that he had requested a preliminary report on the allegations levelled against Minister Rishard Bathiudeen. He expressed disappointment that members of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna had refused to participate in the PSC, expressing his hope that they would change their minds.

The Prime Minister concluded with acknowledging the fact that the public had lost confidence in the political system. He explained that it was paramount that they win back the support of the public, which he hoped would be done in the ensuing two weeks.