The registration programme is being carried out not only in Wellawatte but also in Kirulapona and Kotahena at the moment, Police Spokesperson SP Prishantha Jayakody said.

He said the registrations were a normal, regular occurrence and that it would be carried out in all parts of the country regardless of any ethnic consideration.

In a statement issued by the Police Media Spokesman earlier, it was reiterated that the Police are acting in accordance with the relevant provisions in the Police Ordinance to ensure maximum possible social security, accountability and safety to all citizens, regardless of any ethnic considerations.

‘It is necessary to state that in the Wellawatte Police area, registration had been done of Tamil people who are a majority in this area as well as Sinhala and Muslims.