COLOMBO, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan Police on Wednesday said they had arrested 15 people over attacks against minority communities in the island country.
A police spokesperson told journalists at the weekly media briefing here that so far, the police had received 21 complaints against hate speech on minorities while 14 complaints on criminal activities such as attacks, fires on businesses owned by minorities had been recorded.
Complaints were also lodged against some politicians.
"We assure you that all those complaints are being investigated. All those responsible for instigating hate against other religions will be arrested and charged under the law," the police said.
Cabinet Spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne said that the government had enacted strict laws against religious attacks and those arrested will have to be sentenced in court and face rigorous imprisonment.
He said President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had instructed the law enforcement authorities to closely monitor the situation.
Sri Lanka has noted a rise in attacks against minorities in recent months.
