The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce urged the Sri Lankan government to maintain law and order, expressing concern about the rising ethnic tensions in the island.
In a letter to the Secretary of Defence, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said, "As the highest ranking official vested with responsibility for the maintenance of law and order, we expect you will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain peace, law and order and prevent the occurrence of unlawful and disruptive activities that will disturb the peace of the communities."
"We also need to understand whether all allegations against those who are suspected and accused of engaging in terrorist activities have in fact been investigated and that the administration of justice process has been complied with and that we can have confidence that all suspicions are being adequately investigated irrespective of the positions being held by those who are suspected to be involved."
A number of overwhelmingly Muslim citizens have been arrested over recent weeks following the Easter Sunday suicide bombings during raids and search operations across the island.
Yesterday Muslim ministers and government officials were forced to resign from their portfolios after large scale Buddhist protests swept across the South calling for the arrest of one Minister and two Muslim governors.
