Chief Govt. Whip: Anyone who promotes terrorism will be severely dealt with

Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday called for zero tolerance against anyone who made public statements to revive Islamic extremism in the country.

Responding to a journalist’s question to comment on National Unity Front leader Azath Salley’s statement against the laws in the country, the Minister said that the country had to do everything possible to rid itself of extremism.

“The law should and would be strictly implemented against anyone who makes such statements promoting terrorism. It does not matter whether it is Azath Salley or anyone else. We will act strictly against any threat to national security, though the Opposition may describe such actions as political victimisation.”

He said that when Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested the Opposition leader had called the arrest an act of political victimisation. “Thereafter, the presidential commission that investigated the Easter Sunday carnage released its report and Rishad’s name is there. No longer can anyone call that arrest a political victimisation.”

The minister said so while speaking to the media after opening the Polattapitiya COPCITY to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kurunegala Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society. Governor of the North Western Province Raja Kollure was also present.