Goldsmiths threaten security

[TamilNet, Friday, 07 August 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sixty goldsmiths working in jewellery shops in Colombo who were detained as a security precaution before the South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation (SAARC) summit held between July 29 - 31, are yet to be released, said sources in Batticaloa.

Around 100 goldsmiths had been taken in before the Summit.

The goldsmiths, the majority of whom are of Batticaloa origin, continue to be detained despite interventions made by P. M. Sellathurai, President of the well organised All Ceylon Goldsmiths' Union, said sources.