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Inquiry on MSD gun salute
The Ministerial Security Division (MSD) is conducting an inquiry into the incident where security officers of Minister Mahinda Wijesekara had allegedly fired in the air as a tribute, at a funeral of a close associate of the Minister.

MSD Director J. Jayasinghe told The Sunday Times that an inquiry is being held with regard to the incident but declined to comment on the progress of the inquiry.
However, he said that during the investigation, the OIC of the security division of Minister Mahinda Wijesekara has denied involvement in such an incident.

Matara DIG D.W. Prathapasinghe said the matter has been referred to the MSD for action and he too, declined to comment further. The incident took place on Monday, and it was reported that the security division of Minister Mahinda Wijesekara had fired in the air, on the orders of the Minister at the funeral of Sunil Shantha, a friend of the Minister, who was killed by unidentified persons.

Meanwhile, Medirigiriya police is conducting an inquiry into the alleged threat by Polonnaruwa MP Sydney Jayaratne to JVP Pradeshiya Sabha member Premalal Jayaratne, but both the Medirigiriya ASP and the police declined to comment on the progress of the inquiry.

LTTE ban based on law: British Dy. Opposition leader
From our Jaffna Correspondent
Britain's Deputy Opposition Leader Michael Ancram on a visit to Sri Lanka has reiterated the British Government's stand on proscription of the LTTE claiming that even if there is a change of government, proscription would be handled according to British laws.

Mr. Ancram who was in Jaffna last week pointed out that the proscription of the LTTE in Britain was a matter related to the laws of the country. " The British government has banned organizations that have acted against the country's legal framework. The proscription has not applied to the LTTE alone. If the LTTE could assure us and prove it is not involved in terrorist activities, there is a possibility that the ban would be lifted" he said.

These comments were made after former Municipal Commissioner C B K Suragnanam suggested that the proscription on the LTTE be lifted as it was no longer a terrorist organization but one fighting for the freedom of the Tamils.

The meeting was held at the Jaffna Government Agent's Office with the participation of Divisional Secretaries, other Government officials and non-governmental organisations.

Mr. Ancram spoke of the need for a peaceful solution through negotiations adding that the aspirations of the Tamils could not be achieved through war. Commenting on the influx to Britain of those seeking refugee status, he said that refugee status would be granted to those who enter Britain legally and according to rules and regulations.

"No help would be offered to anyone who enters illegally. There would be no change in policies even if there is a change in government. Britain has always offered refugee status to citizens of every country that has similar conflict issues.

The people who seek refuge in Britain would be advised to return to their country so that they can contribute to the development of the country's economy and social framework" he said.

Police record Matara MP's statement
Police have recorded a statement from Matara District MP Justin Galappatti who had allegedly forced a postal officer to remain in a toilet for several hours after he stormed into the Matara Postal Superintendent's office (MPSO).

Matara HQI Sarath Kottearachchi told The Sunday Times that the statement from the MP and a report was submitted to Matara DIG D.W. Prathapasinghe. Police have recorded statements from the postal officer Gamini Paranavithana and eyewitnesses.
The incident had taken place on August 26, as the MP had allegedly stormed into the MPSO and threatened a postal officer with death, over a matter of an appointment to the sub post office in Walgamuwa.

The postal officer had been stuck in the toilet after being terrified by the MP, who had allegedly shouted abuse and threatened him with death.

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