• Investigates email warnings targeting BIA and Kandy DS

Police have handed over investigations into a series of false bomb threats to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), following recent security alerts at key locations, including the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Kandy District Secretariat.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Acting Police Media Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Minura Senarath said that a false bomb scare was reported again last morning (28), claiming a threat at BIA. This, as Sri Lanka attempts to woo tourists back following the damage by Cyclone Ditwah. 

He said that a flight arriving at BIA from Doha was subjected to a comprehensive security inspection after authorities received an email warning alleging that bombs were on board. However, he said the search was later found to be negative.

SP Senarath further said the investigation has now been handed over to the CID’s Computer Crime Investigation Division for further action. “Preliminary information shows the emails received in connection with these threats originated from Indian email addresses. Investigations are continuing to trace the origin of these emails and identify those responsible,” he said.

Police also confirmed the CCID was tasked with investigating a similar email threat received on 26 December, which claimed that explosives had been planted at five locations within the Kandy District Secretariat. Subsequent security checks carried out at the premises following the warning did not uncover any explosives.