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)