All extremist groups should be banned immediately: Ruwan

All extremist organizations including Thowheed Jamath should be banned immediately and the members should be brought to book with their properties confiscated and assets frozen, State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene told parliament today.

Making a statement in Parliament Mr. Wijewardene said the Easter Sunday attacks had been carried out by the Islamic terrorist group Thowheed Jamath.

He said attacks have been cleverly coordinated to inflict maximum damage to the churches and hotels.

“Thowheed Jamath is linked to international group JMI in retaliation to the attack on the mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. More information is being uncovered on these organizations,” he said.

He said one should not look at all Muslims in a suspicious way just because one group had been engaged in a barbaric act.

“Most Muslims supporting and cooperating with the security forces especially when it comes to investigations,” he added.

The State Minister mentioned that some responsible persons were informed of impending attacks after information was received. However he said information has been shared by few officers.

“Neither myself nor the Prime Minister or the commanders of tr-forces were informed of the imminent attacks,” he said.

An opposition MP shouted at that time saying ‘all lies’ ‘all lies’. “ It is true’, Mr. Wijewardene said at that time.

“One cannot understand as to why myself and Prime Minister was not informed especially at a time when President was out of the country,” he also said

Mr. Wijewardene charged that neither the Prime Minister nor himself have been invited to the security council meeting since last October. He said President had informed them that an investigation will be carried out on the attacks.

The State Minister told Parliament that all terrorists will be severely dealt with while every inch of the country will be searched.

“Some have been arrested already in connection with the attacks and more investigations will be carried out. We urge for the support of all forces at this hour,” he finally said. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardene)