He has told BBC Sandeshaya that there was no truth to their claims which were aimed at terrifying the public.

Citizens are allowed to hold their ceremonies and remembrances peacefully without any racial or religious divisions, but some want to stop them by force, Hettiarachchi has said.

Police have been instructed to allow the holding of such events without compromising the peace, according to him.

Also, the military is on the alert to assist the police if any need arises, the defence secretary has said.

When pointed out that even opposition MPs have cautioned about national security, he has said that their fears were without any foundation.

Certain Tamil prisoners were being freed by following the legal and judicial requirements, he has added.