Warning letter should have been given priority at intelligence reviews

By Yoshitha Perera   

After receiving the warning letter on April 9, 2019, about the possible terror attack, that particular letter should be the priority of all intelligence reviews and Security Council meetings during that time, former IGP N. K. Illangakoon on Friday informed the PCoI probing Easter Sunday Attacks.   

N. K. Illangakoon was a former IGP who served from July 16, 2011 to April 11, 2016. He also served as an adviser to the Ministry of Defence.  The official representing the Attorney General’s (AG) Department showed the intelligence letters informing about the attack and questioned the witness, as if the witness had received such an advance warning about the attack, how would he act as an IGP then on? After examining the letter, former IGP Illangakoon said that if he was at the position during the time, he would realise the seriousness of the matter and gather the relevant information about names of the suspects stated in it.  “Before receiving this letter, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had already commenced investigations into two incidents in Mawanella and Wanathawilluwa about two suspicious incidents related to attacks,” witness said.  

• The official representing the AG Department showed the intelligence letters