Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the police chief to maintain tight security in the areas of the southern Galle District affected by clashes involving Buddhist and Muslim groups, a statement from his office said on Sunday.

The violent clashes that erupted on Friday night caused damage to property in the town called Gintota in the southern district of Galle. The statement said the government would continue to provide special security to the Gintota area, as a precautionary measure.

"Therefore, additional police battalions and the Police Special Task Force will be positioned at Gintota, although the area remains calm at the moment," the statement said.

The prime minister, accompanied by Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayaka and Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena, visited the area on Sunday morning and inspected the houses and properties damaged due to the clashes. The prime minister called for a report on the incident.

The police have arrested 19 persons involved in the clashes from both groups.

source: Alarabiya