The report of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday attacks has raised the spectre of a dangerous possibility where a deeper state lies within the state. This deeper state, if at all it does exist, is immune and independent of the elected Government and acts on an agenda dictated by vested interests. The world has been aware of such covert and overt governance structures in the West and the communist countries but the possibility for such a structure existing in sunny Sri Lanka is certainly cause for concern. The possibility of such a scenario has gained credibility due to the consistent contradiction between the failure of law enforcement on multiple fronts and multiple occasions, and Government allegations directed at the state apparatus on the very same failures. The PSC final report has identified various lapses that led to the unfortunate incidents in April. What is shocking is that the Chief of State Intelligence Service (SIS) had in fact ordered that various investigations that were being carried out on Zahran by multiple law enforcement divisions be stopped and only the investigation carried out by the SIS should continue. This order had been issued exactly one year before the carnage took place – in April 2018. Coincidentally, it is this same individual who was found to have failed to share critical intelligence information just weeks before the attacks this year. There is a pattern which the PSC has identified as not being consistent with normal intelligence protocols that led to the attacks taking place. It is these lapses which are clearly beyond the scope of the political authority that has made the PSC recommend that it is “essential to introduce reforms in the security and intelligence sector”. The Committee has also recommended that mechanisms should be introduced in order to make politicians and people’s representatives accountable for their actions and lapses. This no doubt is a direct indictment on the Minister in charge of the subject of Defence who happens to be the President, who was also found to have been responsible for the carnage that took place as per the report. The fact that the National Security Council (NSC) meetings were held on an ad hoc basis on the initiative of the President and that even when such meetings were convened, only selected individuals were invited, have been identified as the main reasons for the security lapses. The Prime Minister has also been found fault with for not taking up the issue of not being invited for these meetings of critical importance directly with the President. As we have said in these columns previously, the non-confrontational approach of the Prime Minister until pushed against the wall has led to him and the Cabinet being taken for granted on matters of national security. Another important recommendation of the Committee is to establish an enhanced financial supervisory mechanism. This is important as most terror networks usually leave a money trail and is often the first indicator of trouble in the making. It is only after the current Government took over that it was found to be necessary to set up a dedicated Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in the Police. Today, financial crime often involves high technology, complicated financial instruments, and shadowy entities among many other factors which are beyond the normal investigative capability of the mainstream police. Unfortunately, although the motives and intentions to set up the FCID were commendable, the men put in charge of it were for all intents and purposes, not the best choices. Now, four years hence, with hardly anything to show by way of results, it appears that the handpicked Head of the agency was in fact operating according to a different agenda with his family members being allegedly linked to money laundering operations. It is now being speculated that the officer concerned is determined to take the fight to the wire and in a parting shot embarrass his former bosses. To make matters worse, the man who was entrusted with the all-important justice portfolio has finally come out of the closet and shown where his loyalties lie, no doubt leaving the Government red-faced. These two individuals, it appears, have run circles round the UNP Leader who unfortunately has now been caught in a very uncomfortable position with little to show on the report card with regard to exposing the misdemeanours of the previous regime. The PSC has also recommended reforming the Attorney General's Department. Ironically, the report itself will be sent to the very same Department to identify and initiate necessary legal action against those found to have neglected their duties. With the defence apparatus pulling in different directions, the specialised police financial crimes division playing truant, the former Justice Minister playing politics, and a deep state operating within the State, stifling government activity, it is little wonder that it has come to a point where ministers have to threaten officials to get things done. The lack of proper political authority as a result of two power centres trying to outmanoeuvre the other, has led to the growth of extremist activity. It is the April incident which finally led to the exposure of the deeper state within the State that has been at cross purposes with the Government. In fact, the PSC report alludes to the necessity to urgently control and monitor the rise of religious extremism, especially with regard to the spread of Wahhabism. As a remedy to counter this growing problem, the Committee has recommended urgently reforming the educational sector while also addressing media reporting and the emergence of fake news. With the damage already done, let's hope what has been proposed will be looked at in a positive light and necessary reforms are put in place before the nation is made to face a greater threat. What is apparent from the 275-page report that was released to the public is that wheels operate within wheels in the governance structure with many a driver.