Pakistani intelligence on Sri Lankan linked to extremist terrorism ignored

Pakistan alerted Sri Lanka on August 10, 2018 about a Sri Lankan national involved in extremism and planning for development of explosive devises with the use of readily available chemical materials, but the authorities here had not paid attention on him, the Presidential Commission that probed the serial bombings on 2019 Easter Sunday observes.

The Pakistani authorities apprised the Sri Lankan High Commission in Islamabad in this regard. The Commission, in its report, recommends inquiry into dereliction of duty on the part of the Sri Lankan authorities in this regard.

The Pakistani authorities also had handed over information about the suspect along with his pictures. The dossier of information about the suspect contains a handbook on armed training, and details regarding improvised explosive devises, vehicle –borne improvised explosive devises.

However, the commission says there is no evidence to link this person directly to the April 21 attack targeting the places of Christian worships and three high-end hotels in Colombo.

Meanwhile, the Indian intelligence authorities conveyed sufficient and comprehensive details on April 4, 2019 regarding the impending terrorist strikes. However, the security authorities have not acted to prevent the attack despite the availability of such adequate information. (Kelum Bandara)

SL cannot be hauled before ICC - SLPP

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna(SLPP) said Sri Lankan war heroes could not be hauled before the International Criminal Court (ICC) because Sri Lanka was not a signatory to the Rome Statute that provided for the establishment of it , but the opposition was trying to create an unrealistic fear psychosis in the minds of people regarding the UNHRC resolution.

Addressing the regular weekly press conference, party chairman Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said the UNHRC had no authority to implement the resolutions adopted by it. He said the implementation of such resolutions or trying Sri Lankans before the ICC could be done only by the approval of the UN Security Council. However, he said Sri Lanka’s long standing and consistent supporters- China and Russia- had veto powers as permanent members of the UN Security Council , and therefore such a fate would not befall Sri Lanka under no circumstances.

“We are 100 percent certain that the UN Security Council cannot take such action against Sri Lanka due to the presence of China and Russia,” he said.

The Minister said it had been the habit of the opposition to whip up false fear in the minds of people in this regard.

He said Sri Lanka would continue to present its case internationally with the support of the likeminded countries that stood by it in Geneva this time.(Kelum Bandara)