The arrest follows an investigation into the Mayor deploying a uniformed group named Jaffna Municipal Council Task Force to duties such as controlling traffic, cleaning the city and enforcing penalties against littering and spitting within city limits. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the uniforms worn by the task force were similar to those worn by the LTTE Police. The suspect was arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and statements were recorded from the Municipal Commissioner and other persons attached to the Municipal Council. “Five persons clad in attire similar to the LTTE uniform were deployed on duty at Jaffna Town, by the Jaffna Municipal Council. 

The Jaffna Police and the TID carried out investigations into the incident based on directives issued by Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (rtd) Sarath Weerasekera,” he said. 

Speaking further, the Police Spokesman noted it has been revealed the Jaffna Mayor granted permission to recruit the five persons and he had also issued them uniforms. 

No individual can display or promote LTTE propaganda and other related symbols, he noted.