UPF leader to discuss the arrest of Tamils with President Rajapaksa

Deputy Minister for Vocational Training, P Radhakrishnan, told BBC Tamil Service that 300-400 Tamils have been arrested in Colombo suburbs by the security forces.

Leader of Upcountry Peoples Front (UPF), Minister P Chandrasekaran, has sought a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the issue.

A rehabilitation programme for Tamil youths is being conducted in the (Boossa) camp Minister Keheliya Rambukwella

The Tamils were accused of failing to register with the local police, which is a requirement under the new security regualtions.

Radhakrishnan said he received complaints of 48 Tamils being sent to special detention centre in Boossa, near Galle.

The camp was well known for detaining insurgents during the "era of terror" when an uprising by Peoples Liberation Front (JVP) was crushed down by the authorities.

"Those who were going home to celebrate Thai Pongul were also arrested," Minister Radhakrishnan said adding that many others were arrested in the upcountry.

Those who were going home to celebrate Thai Pongal were also arrested Deputy Minister Radhakrishnan

The Defense Affairs spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella did not reject the accusation.

"I do not know the exact figures," Rambukwella told BBC Sinhala Service.

"But a rehabilitation programme for Tamil youths is being conducted in the camp".

Minister Radhakrishnan urged the upcountry Tamils to register with the local police.