• Assures apt security measures; ACJU to issue statement 

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that it cannot disclose detailed information to the media regarding action taken in response to reports of an extremist group operating in Kalmunai, Eastern Province, but assured that appropriate measures are being implemented.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday (4), Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Government had received information that an extremist group is operating in Kalmunai.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara said that the security agencies are currently verifying the information. When queried as to whether any special security arrangements have been made in the Eastern Province, he said: “There is certain information which we cannot divulge to the media. However, we are taking appropriate measures.”

Sri Lanka has faced challenges with religious extremist groups, most notably the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019. In these coordinated bombings, a local extremist group, the National Thowheeth Jama’ath, led by suicide bomber Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Zahran, targeted several churches and hotels, resulting in the loss of more than 270 lives and leaving many others injured.

In response to a question about a recent statement by the Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, Dr. Jayatissa said: “We have only received information about an extremist group operating in the Eastern Province. The relevant agencies are in the process of verifying and investigating the matter. What we can confirm right now is that the security forces are closely monitoring the situation.”

Attempts to contact Eastern Province Governor, Police Media Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manathunga, and the Officer in Charge of the Kalmunai Police Station proved futile. 

When contacted, an official of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) said that they would issue a statement on the matter in the coming days.