Combined military and police search operation was launched in the various check points at Bambalapitiya and Collpitiya. All vehicles traveled in the Galle Road from Mount Lavinia to Collpitiya were thoroughly checked by them.

Tamils are fleeing revolt-hit north and east of Sri Lanka. Hundreds arrive every month in the hope of obtaining passports to travel abroad for employment or secure political asylum overseas others come to Colombo for urgent medical and family reunions abroad were only now have been arrested and detained by the authorities, a lodger in Colombo told TNS.

Deputy Minister R.Rathakrishnan has contacted the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police M.K.Ilangakone and requested him to release those arrested without any valid reasons.

Mr.Rathakrishnan also visited some police stations where the arrested Tamils are being detained.

Meanwhile, the parents of the arrested Tamil youths met the Deputy Minister and requested his assistance to get their children released.

The parents have also appealed to Dr. Wickramabhahu Karunaratne, the leader of New Leftist Front, to help them to get their children out of the hands of the Police.