Armed forces to be removed from filling stations?

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Public Security says that the members of the armed forces who are deployed in the vicinity of filling stations may have to be removed from those duties.

The Ministry stated that the Tri-forces members may have to be removed on requests received by various parties seeking to remove them in view of the distressing conditions observed around fuel stations.

The Secretary to the Ministry, S. Hettiarachchi said that although a final decision has not yet been taken to withdraw the members of the armed forces from their duties, such a situation may arise in the future.

The Secretary of the Ministry also mentioned that it has been discovered that clashes have taken place involving some political activists, underworld groups and subversive groups in the vicinity of filling stations.

The Ministry of Public Security points out that the assistance of members of the armed forces was sought in view of the insufficient deployment of police officers for the security of filling stations.

Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachchi added that all Police divisions have been advised to carry out civil control activities themselves and to only seek the assistance of the armed forces in case of necessity.