The Government has received intelligence reports indicating attempts to spread extremist ideologies among the Muslim population in the Eastern Province, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated.
According to Minister Wijepala, the reports are based on intelligence gathered by both the State Intelligence Service (SIS) and military intelligence. He noted that surveillance of certain religious establishments had revealed efforts to indoctrinate children with extremist ideologies.
“These ideologies are in direct contradiction to the true teachings of Islam,” the Minister emphasized.
He further revealed that a significant number of such activities had been detected in the Kalmunai area, prompting SIS and military intelligence units to intensify their monitoring efforts.
“We will not allow extremism and racism to take root in our country again. The Government is committed to taking immediate action to prevent such threats from escalating,” Minister Wijepala asserted.
Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed Parliament on Friday that six individuals had been arrested following intelligence reports of potential attacks targeting tourists in the Arugam Bay area in October last year.
The President stressed that the Government had responded professionally to the intelligence warnings and would continue to do so in the future.
In October, the US Embassy issued a travel advisory citing credible intelligence of a possible attack on popular tourist locations in Arugam Bay. As a precaution, it imposed travel restrictions on Embassy personnel visiting the area. However, a few weeks later, the advisory was withdrawn after the Government took swift action, made arrests, and assured that the area was safe for tourists.
Courtesy : Sunday Times
