Namal Rajapaksa calls for security measures, not tradition bans

Government bears responsibility to ensure security for religious processions rather than allowing threats to disrupt long-standing traditions, pointed out Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa.

Referring to past security challenges, Rajapaksa noted that the Kataragama procession proceeded despite a bombing that caused six fatalities, and the Temple of the Tooth continued its religious activities despite attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna.

Governments historically safeguarded such events despite security obstacles, he argued.

Organised criminals should not be in a position to determine whether a procession takes place, as such a situation would render a government unnecessary, he remarked.

Authorities must guarantee safety for dancers, mahoots, elephants, the officials such as the Diyawadana Nilame, and also the security of the devotees attending processions, Rajapaksa emphasised.