Tangalle under security threat

The environs of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's private residence in Tangalle is faced with a serious security threat, according to the Tangalle Police.

Investigations have revealed that several NGOs operating as post tsunami relief organisations and some contracted Information Technology segments under these NGOs have located their staff in Tangalle though the district capital is Hambantota.

Hitherto unknown persons have been detected hovering around the area of the President's residence.

"When we check, they say they are employees of NGOs with offices in Hambantota," a senior police officer said.

A fortnight ago four suspected suicide bombers were arrested in Tangalle. On Wednesday, the Tangalle police arrested four Tamils who claimed to be employees of an unknown IT company heading towards the President's residence close to midnight to have dinner from a cafe. Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa was due to visit the President's Tangalle residence in the early hours of the following day, intelligence sources revealed.

Police said the four men have passed several cafes opened at that time and walked towards 'Chandra Cafe' located close to the President's residence.

According to the Police, a large number of persons from the North East are reported to be employed by these NGOs and housed them in Tangalle while offices are located in Hambantota.

(PG)