He is commenting on media reports with regard to the disruption by mosque trustees of an annual Vel festival at Sri Muttumari Amman Kovil at Babar Street in Colombo 13.

The minister has told BBC Sandeshaya that the present regime would not approve of extremism that led to discord among communities.

He would not say it was Muslim extremism that had led to threats and assault targeting the Kovil officials.

He said a majority of Muslim politicians and clergy have condemned the incident.

Necessary security and legal measures have been taken, he said.