"Cordon and search operations by security forces and mass arrests resumed in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo in late June. Colombo’s Kochchikade suburb was searched on the night of 23 June. The following day, Dehiwela was targeted. In a major operation on 28 June in Wellawatte, Dehiwela, Mt Lavinia, Ratmalana and Moratuwa, Tamil houses, shops and vehicle were searched. The police have also set up 14 checkpoints.
According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) TE Anantharajah, over 500 Tamils were taken into custody. Police reports say most people were released within 24 hours, but 18 were detained. Tamil houses, shops and lodges in Piliyandala were searched on 29 June and 22 Tamils were held. On 1 July, 27 Tamils in the Colombo suburbs of Ginthupitiya and Fort were taken into custody. Two days later, 34 Tamils were arrested in various parts of the capital.
Addressing a press conference in early July, Defence Minister Tilak Marapane said that the arrests are taking place under normal law and not the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). He sought to assure that the Tamils need not fear. But the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has condemned the targeting of Tamils as a violation of human rights.
Parliamentary opposition parties held a demonstration in Colombo on 4 June against the killing of Southern Provincial Council minister R Ranjit in May. Police have arrested three suspects. On 16 June, People’s Alliance member and Western Provincial Council advisor Sunil Mendis was shot dead in Kandana. Former WPC United National Party (UNP) organiser Edward Silva has been arrested in connection with the murder..."
