Akila Instructs Closure Of Schools In Kandy Tomorrow: President Orders 'Independent And Impartial' Inquiry

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has instructed authorities to close all government schools in Kandy tomorrow (06). 

President Maithripala Sirisena, meanwhile, has instructed the Police Chief to conduct an independent and impartial probe into the incidents in Digana and Theldeniya, the President's Media Unit said. 

The decision has been made considering the safety of school children, under the current circumstances. 

Police curfew has been imposed in the administrative district of Kandy until 6 am tomorrow, following several racially motivated incidents. 

Protests broke out in Digana and Teldeniya areas today demanding the Police to release suspects who were taken into custody in connection with racially motivated incidents yesterday. 

As the protests took a violent turn, the Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters. 

The Police Special Task Force has also been deployed to beef up security in the Teldeniya area after several racially motivated incidents were reported yesterday. 

The racially motivated incidents, according to the Police, were reported after one person died due to a personal dispute.