The Tangalle Tourist Tragedy: Government determined to deal severely as per law - Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena

The Government reiterated that those responsible for the killing of British holidaymaker Kuram Shaikah Zaman (27) who was murdered in the incident on 24 December and causing injury to his Russian partner Victoria Alexandrovna will be severely dealt with as per the law whilst the latter has shed some light on the Tangalle tragedy over the weekend.

The main suspect, Tangalle Pradesheeya Sabha Chairman Sampath Vidanapathirana, if found guilty, will be punished severely,” Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told journalists yesterday

"The Government will in no way try to protect the suspects or hide facts from the public. Those proven guilty will be punished according to law," he asserted.

He also said that within 48 hours, five suspects had been arrested and weapons used in committing the crime had been taken into custody.

Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena further said, I would like to inform you that the government of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Tourism jointly convey our deepest regret about the very unfortunate incident that took place in Tangalle on 24th December, costing the life of a tourist and injuring his partner.

The Police Department is conducting a full scale investigation about this incident and so far, within 48 hours duration, five suspects including the chief suspect have been arrested and the weapon used for committing the crime too has been found by the police. Special police teams and a group of CID officers are deployed round the clock to further investigate the incident and arrest other suspects connected to this incident.

The Russian lady who was injured by the clash, has been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo (Lanka Hospitals) and she is undergoing further treatment now.

We are constantly overlooking her condition and have made all arrangements to provide the best of medical attention for her speedy recovery. Both Russian Ambassador and Sri Lankan Ambassador in Moscow ( Udayanga Weeratunga who is currently in Sri Lanka) have seen the patient who is recovering fast along with the Chairman, the Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism and government representatives.

The death body of the tourist has already been brought to Colombo and the British High Commission is awaiting instructions with regard to transportation of the remains to England from his family.

The External Affairs Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism, the two Embassies and the Ministry of Defence are fully employed in coordinating the investigations and updating the media, public and other stakeholders about the progress of this incident.

As the government of Sri Lanka, we take the full responsibility of handling this incident and all suspects will be brought to justice without despite their ranks and positions. We strongly condemn what took place in Tangalle and express our condolence to the family of the victim and the injured.

These incidents, though unfortunate, have happened in other tourist destinations in the past and can happen anywhere in the world. This will by no means overshadow the warmth that is offered to Tourists by our hospitable nation and people and responsible service offered by the Tourism Industry. At the same time we request media and all concerned to work together to educate the general public the importance of taking care of the tourists who visit Sri Lanka, a country which is internationally recognised for being hospitable to visitors for over two thousand years.

- Asian Tribune -