Terrorism and Drugs nexus perhaps hasten terror attack

Everybody should come together to ensure the security of the country irrespective of party or colour barriers.

The All Party Conference was held with the participation of all party leaders, and representatives under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena today (25).
Lengthy discussions were held regarding the current situation of the country and the actions to be taken in the future. The importance of joining together despite party or colour differences barriers for the task of protecting the national security was thoroughly emphasized at this meeting.
As a country, to eradicate terrorism and to take the relevant parties in to custody the program carried on by the President is to be supported by all party leaders and they confirmed it.
All the leaders of political parties extended fullest support to the steps taken by the President to eradicate this threat of terrorism and to ensure national security, as well as to detain the suspects. The President briefed the party leaders about the steps taken to curb terrorism, ensure national security and safety of the people and bring back normalcy in the country. He also expressed the views on reorganization of the security forces. Decisions have been taken to open a security operational centre and all the missions are to be coordinated through this centre, the President said.
President Sirisena stressed that setting aside all the political beliefs and difference, everybody should collectively commit towards building a peaceful environment within the country.
The party leaders and the representatives who expressed their views on this tragic incident depicted the deficiencies that were evident within the security forces and pointed out the need for rectifying those errors. They expressed the importance of working together to strengthen national security. It was also discussed that the security operations must be carried out by keeping faith on the security forces and their capabilities to investigate and detain terror suspects and all the need for the involvement of political leaders and the individuals holding experience regarding security matters.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsighe, Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, and ministers representing Sri Lankan Freedom Party, United People’s Freedom Alliance, and United National Party, Basil Rajapaksa, representing Podu Jana Peramuna, leader of Tamil National Alliance, R. Sampanthan, Member of Parliament, JVP spokesperson Wijitha Herath, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka of Hela Urumaya, Leader of Mahajana Eksath Peramuna Dinesh Gunwewardena, Leader of National Freedom Alliance Member of Parliament Wimal Weerwansa, leader of Pivithuturu Hela Urumaya Member of Parliament Udaya Gammanpila, leader of Democratic People’s Front, Mano Ganeson, leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Minister Rauff Hakeem, leader of All island Muslim Congress Rishad Bathiudeen, leader of National Labor Congress minister Palani Digamburun, leader of Kadurata Peramuna minister V.S. Radhakrishnan,leader of E.P.D.P leader, Douglas Devananda, leader of Sri Lanka Communist Party D E W Gunesekara, leader of Lanka Sama Samaja Party Professor Tissa Vitharana, leader of National Samagi Peramuna Azath Sali and other party representatives were present in this event.

Foreign envoys assures every possible support to President to curb terrorism in Sri Lanka
The envoys of foreign countries and the representatives of international agencies were unanimous in their expression of fullest support to President Maithripala Sirisena to curb terrorism in Sri Lanka, which has raised its ugly head on Easter Sunday.
Addressing all the Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in Sri Lanka, Resident representatives of United Nations and affiliated organizations and Head of other international agencies at the Presidential Secretariat yesteday (April 23), President Sirisena expressed confidence that the terrorism can be curbed soon as the law enforcement agencies have taken swift measures to identify and arrest the criminals responsible for acts of terrorism and aiding and abetting such acts.
He revealed that already eight countries with experience, intelligence skills and high technology capabilities to fight terrorism have assured Sri Lanka that they would provide assistance, and appealed to other countries also assist and cooperate in this fight against the menace of terrorism. The ambassadors, high commissioners and other representatives assured the President that they would provide every possible assistance to Sri Lanka to curb terrorism.
The envoys who expressed their views included the representatives of United Nations and European Union and Ambassadors of Germany, United States, Denmark and Norway and Pakistan High Commissioner.
He revealed that there would be a restructuring in security sector positions shortly.
He pointed out Sri Lankan intelligence experiences gained during the 30 year old conflict and during the Kandy incident, would be useful to carry out anti-terrorism measures, now that the armed forces could be use emergency powers enacted last night.
“I am confident that with such reorganizations of security sector and with the assistance of foreign expertise, the threat of terrorism could curbed soon,” he emphasized. He added that already FBI and Interpol agreed to send teams of experts to assist investigations.
President Sirisena said the blocking of social media could be lifted by tomorrow, if on untoward incidents today. “We will not allow the limited emergency regulations gazette last night to be used against the ordinary people and they will be used only against terror suspects and I take that responsibility myself,” he said.
He thanks the foreign leaders and their representatives for sharing Sri Lanka’s sorrow and grief at this time of catastrophe.
Commander of Defence Services, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne briefed the envoys about the methodology of explosions, the identification of culprits and the arrests taken place. He also mentioned about the strong possibility of links with international terrorists. Secretary to the President, Udaya R Seniviratne and Additional secretary Esala Weerakoon and Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Ariyasinha were also present on this occasion.

Immediate changes in high security positions as there was negligence in carrying out responsibilities

APC & Intellectual Round Table Discussions on follow up actions

President Maithripala Sirisena assured the nation that he would take every required step to curb terrorism in Sri Lanka, which has raised its ugly head on Easter Sunday and restore normalcy swiftly. He urges the people and all the political parties to extend fullest cooperation setting aside differences to these efforts for the sake of the future generation.
Addressing the nation yesterday(April 23), he expressed the grief, shock and deep dismay over the loss of lives in these ruthless acts of terrorism. He stressed the imperative need for the support and unity of everybody in this national endeavour.
President Sirisena expressed confidence that the terrorism can be curbed very soon as the law enforcement agencies have taken swift measures to identify and arrest the criminals responsible for acts of terrorism and aiding and abetting such acts. He thanked the law enforcements personnel for the effective steps taken to arrest the culprits. He expressed condolence over the death of three police officers while carrying out investigations aftermath of the terror attacks.
The President disclosed that since 2017, there were intelligence information about emergence of terrorist groups and the fact that some of them receiving training in foreign countries. Our security services kept a close vigilance on these groups, he said.
He revealed that already seven or eight countries with experience, intelligence skills and high technology capabilities to fight terrorism have assured Sri Lanka that they would provide assistance.
President Sirisena said that he would be truthful and acknowledged that there were lapses on the part of defence authorities. He said, although there was and intelligence report about these attacks, he was not informed about them. The President said he would enact changes in the security services high posts very soon.
He said that although there were intelligence reports about possible terrorist cells, no legal action could be taken with normal laws without sufficient evidence. He pointed out Sri Lankan intelligence experiences would be useful to carry out anti-terrorism measures, now that the armed forces could be use emergency powers enacted last night. I am confident that with such reorganizations of security sector and with the assistance of foreign expertise, the threat of terrorism could curbed soon, he emphasized.
“We will not allow the limited emergency regulations gazette last night to be used against the ordinary people and they will be used only against terror suspects,” he said. The President assured that new laws would not be a hindrance to freedom of expression, lawful protests or demonstrations, democratic rights, individual freedom and media freedom. “I take that responsibility for that,”
President Sirisena announced that he would hold an All Party Conference inviting the parties represented in Parliament and outside to discuss the proposals to ensure national reconciliation and communal harmony. He will also have round table discussions with religious leaders and intellectuals in this regard. This is the time to stop pointing fingers at each other and to set aside political differences and to take steps to ensure that such barbaric terrorist acts would not recur, he said.
Special Address to the Nation by President Maithripala Sirisena (23rd April, 2019)
May Noble Triple Gems Bless You! May God Bless You!
Venerable Maha Sangha, and Priests,
Dear Parents, children, and friends,
Last forty eight hours have been an unfortunate, shocking, and distressing experience to all of us. Today is a day of national mourning. We declared today as a day of national mourning to express the grief of the whole nation.
We, as the government of Sri Lanka, and the people of Sri Lanka, condemn this heinous terrorist attack that came unexpectedly. There are various discussions, debates and criticisms about this incident. Such freedom to express one’s views is a fundamental feature of our democracy. We have the experience of cruelty and brutality unleashed by the worst terrorist organization at the time, the LTTE. In that unfortunate and gruesome period of nearly 27 or 28 years, many lives were lost and lead to economic setbacks. Those prolonged period of terror was ended in 2009, a decade ago. Since then, freedom and peace grew in the country. Specially, during the four years since January 08, 2015, all people of Sri Lanka enjoyed the democracy, freedom, civil liberties, press freedom and human rights to the.
In such a context, we did not expect the national catastrophe of last Easter Sunday. It is my duty and responsibility to provide a true and complete account of this situation to the people. Our security services received reports about this terrorist movement since 2017. It was observed that they were receiving training and certain guidance from foreign terrorist organizations. Our security services were monitoring them and investigating about them. However, our security services did not have enough evidence to start legal actions against them or clear information to be produced to courts. I must say that, during the last three years, we paid close attention to their names, movements and foreign travel at the Security Council.
However, this group carried out this attack at a least expected moment under the guidance, instructions, and leadership of a foreign terrorist organization to cause appalling loss of human lives, from the innocent child in the poorest of families to the richest of the people, including foreigners who had come to this land as tourists, diplomats, and business men and women. I express my deepest condolences on their behalf.
In this most dreadful and painful of times, our Christian community showed true patience, discipline and restraint. I must express my gratitude and respect to the all Christians of Sri Lanka, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and other Christian Priests who dedicated themselves to avoid conflicts and ensure peace prevails in the country.
Now we are faced with the task of building a free, peaceful environment, rising from this extremely tormenting experience. In that, I will completely reorganize the Police, Tri-Forces and the Security Services. Specially, in the next 24 hours, I expect to carry out a change of leadership in them. I must thank the Tri-Forces and the Police for their quick response at this moment.
I must specially share with you that, when the LTTE terrorism broke out in early 80s, most Sinhala and Muslim people used to look at Tamils as if all of them were terrorists. However, people quickly learned that not all Tamils were terrorists, and that laid the foundation for the nation to unite for peace. I request from Sinhala and Tamil people not to look at our country’s Muslim community with suspicion, fear or distrust. You must keep in mind that not all Muslims are terrorists. It is only a very small minority who are linked to such a barbaric terrorist organization. It is very important therefore, that peace and harmony among Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil communities. It is important for us to foster trust among us.
We had to declare an Emergency situation to suppress terrorists and ensure a peaceful environment in the country. What have been enacted by gazette are clauses pertaining to suppressing terrorism only. If these enactments were not made, the powers prevailed were not sufficient for the Police to take proactive measures and the Army, Navy and Air Force could not take part actively in the operations. These enactments will not interfere in the country’s democracy, freedom. I will assume the responsibility in person to ensure that these enactments will not be used to restrain anyone from enjoying freedom of expression, conducting protests and enjoying press freedom.
I must thank the Police, the Tri-forces and Special Task Force officers for their efficiency and the Crime Investigation Division and Intelligence Services for their dedication in responding to this situation. The nation is indebted to the three Police officers who lost their lives in the investigations.
The government has already been able to crack down on many criminals, suspects and those responsible for the recent attacks. Therefore, I truly believe that we can avoid a repetition of such gruesome acts of violence in the future.
At this time, basically, friendly as well as powerful 07, 08 countries have pledged to provide their fullest support to Sri Lanka in the process of curbing terrorism, we are hoping to work in coordination with them in the future. Currently, the issue of why our Intelligence Service did not take actions according to the information received by them from a State Intelligence Service of one of our friendly nation, has become a question and center of discussion among the people, in the media as well as on political platforms.
I should specially mention here that the responsible chief officers did not submit that information received by them to me. If they informed me about receiving that information I could have taken immediate actions. At present, I have decided to take stern actions against those responsible institutions for not fulfilling their respective duties properly.
The Cabinet including the Prime Minister gathered last evening and discussed in detail regarding this issue. That is why I have mentioned earlier an appropriate process will be implemented while completely reorganizing the security services including State Intelligence Service and Intelligence Units of the Police and Tri-forces, to prevent recurrence of these kinds of terrorist activities.
I have already planned necessary actions to build an environment where the people of this country could live freely and without fear in the future. I would like you to state firmly that as the Government, it will create a background where the public servants, school children, entrepreneurs and the general public of the country could act liberally in a free and peaceful environment.
Similarly, I would like to state a special issue at this time. As I mentioned earlier, we who speak about the experiences of over 27, 28 years prolonged brutal terrorist war as well as victories over it, must clearly understand the difference between these incidents and that terrorist group. I believe, in a situation like this we should speak using our intelligence, but not following the heart.
The L.T.T.E terrorist organization had been a domestically strong terrorist organization. However, we had to face this issue in a different manner to what we faced with that organization in those days. An internationally strong terrorist organization has announced that they are involved in these attacks. Consequently, there is a certain difference between the activities of the domestically emerged terrorist group and the activities of an internationally strong terrorist group which we newly experienced.
I determinedly insist you that I will take action to control and curb this movement which involved with an international terrorist organization by utilizing modern technology as well as using the strategic methods of security forces and acquiring advice and guidance of countries which use technology against this kind of terrorism. In a situation like this the unity among us is a strength to achieve this goal.
We need to work without any political differences and religious divisions. We should clearly understand what is meant by racism and what is meant by terrorism. I believe as an intelligent persons all of you have understood the dissimilarity between the racism and terrorism. Therefore, we need to be vigilant, why this brutal terrorist organization chooses Sri Lanka in this manner.
Everyone has a responsibility to prevent recurrence of this kind of experience which destroys the most peaceful environment in this country, creating fear and suspicion among the public. I believe this is not the time to level allegations or point fingers against one another. Therefore, with all due respect, I urge all of you to act in an exemplary manner. I expect, in the future, to summon all the political party leaders who represent the Parliament as well as who do not represent the Parliament to hold a discussion in this regard and to apprise them regarding the future steps that the government is to take.
I state that I commit myself to do everything possible to ensure a free and peaceful environment for all citizens by summoning all Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Islam religious leaders, intellectuals of various disciplines to one forum to identify our national programme to respond to this situation. It is very important that we do not allow the spread of false information and believe only the truth. I respectfully request from all of you to stand hand in hand with us in our mission to eradicate terrorism from our country, so that the present generation and the our children will have a safer tomorrow.
I thank you all, May Triple Gems bless you! May God bless You!

 Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday met with diplomats including high commissioners and ambassadors at Temple Trees and discussed the current situation in the country. The meeting lasted for more than an hour giving special consideration to the suicide bombings that have taken place in several parts of the country and the actions to be taken in the future to address the situation.

They were discussed about the possible major setback to be faced by the tourism sector in Sri Lanka in the future following the multiple terror incidents and actions need to be taken to rebuild tourism in order to strengthen the country’s economy. Prime Minister Ranil Wickrmasinghe further said the enactment of Emergency regulations will gives Police and the military extensive powers to detain and interrogate suspects without court orders, which went into effect from midnight yesterday.
“We do not hesitate to ask for foreign help to defeat terrorism if these suicide bombers were proven to have international links,” the Premier added. Information on the foreign nationals who died and were injured in the suicide bomb attacks were provided to diplomats. The Prime Minister further said the Foreign Ministry will be provided all assistance and required information in this regard.

President Maithripala Sirisena visited the Archbishop’s House yesterday (22) and called on the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

President Sirisena expressed his, shock, deep pain and dismay over the brutal attacks on places of catholic religious worship and discussed over the future steps that should be taken regarding this incident.
During this meeting, the President, expressing his views said that at present the government has taken every possible step to prevent recurrence of these kind of incidents in the country in the future.
President Sirisena further said that he has given instructions to the security forces to provide security at any time it is needed to all religious leaders including the Archbishop as well as for shrines.

Anti-terrorism clauses to be effective from midnight today
Tomorrow, National Day of Mourning

President Maithripala Sirisena president over an emergency meeting of National Security Council today (April 22) and following decisions were taken at the meeting.
The government has decided to Gazette the anti-terrorism legal clauses to be effective with effect from midnight today. This step has been taken to empower police to take effective measures to safeguard security of the people and the country.
April 23 has been declared a National Day of Mourning.
The issues pertaining to the organizations responsible for the explosions yesterday, the arrest of terror suspects and those who assisted them and the imperative need to take effective steps to eliminate such destructive forces were discussed at the meeting and the President has instructed the police and Tri-forces to take every possible action in the future.
President Sirisena will meet the foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to brief them on the developments and seek international assistance. The intelligence agencies have reported that there were international organizations behind these acts of local terrorists. Hence, it has been decided to seek international assistance for investigations.
The President has instructed the security forces to provide additional security to all the Catholic churches.
He also instructed the police, Tri-Forces and Defence Ministry to take the current developments into serious consideration and take all the required steps.
Meanwhile, police curfew has been imposed from 8.00 p.m. today to 4.00 a.m. tomorrow.

State Defence and Mass Media Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said the government will take action to curtail extremist groups involved in yesterday's explosions.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Sri Lanka Police and Tri-Forces have already launched investigations, the State Minister assured.
Wijewardene said the government will bear all expenses in relation to funerals of all the victims.
“The CID, Police and the Tri-Forces are carrying out investigations at the moment.We assure that all perpetrators involved in this unfortunate terrorist attack will be taken into custody soon. I think some of the culprits have been identified and we will take them into custody soon,” he added.
“The government has taken all precautions to keep this country and its people safe.We have spoken to the Defence Secretary, Tri-Forces Commanders and the IGP.We have decided to impose an islandwide curfew until the situation would be taken under control.The government will take action against whatever extremist group behind this situation.We will not give any chance for these extremist groups and will take any action and will not stop until these groups are wiped out from this country,” State Minister Wijewardene said.

President Maithripla Sirisena expressed his, shock, deep pain and dismay over the brutal attacks on places of religious worship and other civilian establishments.
He said that that he has instructed all law enforcement agencies and defence services to take every possible step to maintain law and order and conduct speedy investigations into the dastardly attack and bring the culprits and those who were behind this conspiracy to book.
“I have given instructions to take very stern action against the persons who are responsible for this conspiracy,” the President said and added that all required steps have been taken to fulfill the responsibilities as a government.
President Sirisena appealed to the nation to act with utmost restraint and patience, and not to be misled by baseless rumours and false stories. He also urged the people to extend unstinted support and cooperation to the government for the steps taken at this trying occasion.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe issuing a special statement on the fatal explosion which took place around the country today (21), stated that law would be strictly enforced against the persons who are behind these attacks. Stating that relevant parties have been instructed to take stringent action to ensure the law and or order of the country, the Prime Minister requests everyone to join hands in this cause.

The complete statement of the Prime Minister is as follows:
“On behalf of the Government, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the injured persons and the relations of the deceased consequent to the recent attacks occurred this morning. I see this as an attempt to make the country and its economy unstable.
I condemn these attacks which targeted religious places and some hotels. We all should join hands to protect law and order. I have already instructed the Secretary / Defense, Tri Forces Commanders and the Inspector General of Police to take stringent action to ensure law and order in the country.
Further, I and some ministers had a discussion with the President in this regard. Secretary to the President, Attorney General, and Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary / Disaster Management and Security Chiefs were among the present.
Law will be strictly enforced against the persons those who are responsible for these attacks after finalizing the investigations.
We shall bear with this unfortunate situation and work together to uphold the law and order.

 President Maithripala Sirisena joined the ritual of planting a fruit sapling today (15th) morning at the auspicious time 11.17 am in the presidential official residence.

The auspicious time to plant a sapling was 11.17 a. m. today morning, facing the East, suitably wearing a white dress was added to this Sinhala and Tamil New Year rituals.
President appealed to all Sri Lankans to plant a sapling or a seed at the auspicious time 11.17 a. m. today, thus fulfilling the individual responsibility for the sake of the future generation and sustenance of environment.

 Keeping with the tradition, President Maithripala Sirisena performed New Year rituals today (April 14) at his Official Residence in Colombo.

The President joined the ritual to light the hearth with Mrs. Jayanthi Sirisena and other members of the immediate family.
The President planted a sapling at his official residence at the auspicious time.
Thereafter he engaged in the tradition of transactions for the New Year.
Many people including Parliamentarians and artists visited the President’s residence to greet the President for the New Year.
Issuing a message to mark the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, President Maithripala Sirisena called on the people of the country to collectively commit themselves to fulfill national expectations.
Meanwhile, a custom of tree planting has been added to this year’s New Year customs. The auspicious time to plant a sapling is 11.17 a. m. tomorrow, facing the East, suitably wearing a white dress.
President Maithripala Sirisena appealed to all Sri Lankans to plant a sapling or a seed at the auspicious time 11.17 a m tomorrow, thus fulfilling the individual responsibility for the sake of the future generation and sustenance of environment.