Kandy issue updates 6pm

Kandy issue updates 6pm

United Nations Jeffrey Feltman meets President
Curfew for Kandy again
146 including 2 students apprehended during last 24 hours
Muslim shops closed today; no confusion near mosques
Kandy schools to reopen from Monday

Under-secretary on political affairs of United Na tions Organisation, Jeffrey Feltman has met President Maithripala Sirisena at President's House this morning (09). What President's media unit has mentioned about this confrontation was that it was an annual visit by him to stabilize relationships. Whatever it is, news spread that he would hasten to come over to Sri Lanka in the face

of the tension that has emerged in Kandy.

146 persons connected to incidents of violence have now been taken into custody, Police media spokesman has informed. Appearing in a media discussion today at police headquarters what he said was that 65 individuals were arrested during the past 24 hours this morning at 6. He mentioned that in addition to the 10 persons who broadcast statements across the social media in a manner leading to discord, 2 school children were taken into custody by officers of the criminal investigation department.

Apart from municipal council limits, police media spokesman has informed this evening that curfew was once again in operation from 8.00 in the night today till 5.00 early morning tomorrow. This step was taken to prevent outsiders from coming and also for the protection of the public. Minister of local government and provincial councils, Mr. Faizer Mustafa says that it is crowds coming in from other areas who create problems of agitation in various locations. The Minister expressed this to the media after a sojourn in Pettah this morning (09). Most business places in Pettah were closed this morning expressing their protest against incidents that flared up in Kandy. Whatever it is, though today was a day when they engage in their Muslim holy prayers, no protests were organised and a peaceful environment was seen present from morning itself.

Central province Chief Minister Mr. Sarath Ekanayaka stated that all schools closed in Kandy district would be reopened next Monday. This was mentioned by him at a media discussion today. He also added that sessions would be held to cover the missed classes.