A person has been remanded until 4 November, who was caught for suspiciously photographing the Italian Embassy in Colombo 7, and holding in possession a book containing over 700 pages of rough plans for various locations including former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s private residence at Horagolla.
The Police reported that the Special Task Force arrested the suspect at midnight on 26 October while photographing the Italian Embassy in Colombo.
The suspect was found in possession of a 725-page book containing rough plans of certain locations, including the Ruwanweli Seya in Anuradhapura, Kumaratunga’s private residence (Horagolla Walawwa), and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation in Colombo, along with excerpts from statements made by several former Presidents and Ministers.
Following the arrest, the Police stated that the suspect had been interrogated by multiple investigative units, including the Terrorism Investigation Division, to determine whether the information gathered was intended for any acts of sabotage, terrorism, or extremism. The relevant investigation units have also reviewed his bank accounts and phone records, ultimately finding no links to terrorist organisations or other criminal activities.
The Police stated that the suspect had been produced before Colombo Magistrate Court Number Four on 27 October, seeking permission to detain him for further investigation. Taking into account the submissions made by the Police, the Magistrate had ordered that the suspect be placed in remand custody until 4 November.
Recently, the United States and several other countries issued travel advisories warning of a potential terrorist threat targeting southern Sri Lanka, particularly tourist areas like Arugam Bay. The countries urged their citizens to avoid these areas due to credible intelligence suggesting attacks on popular tourist destinations.
In response, the Sri Lankan authorities took steps to intensify security measures to safeguard visitors and maintain public safety, which resulted in the arrest of three suspects for allegedly planning an attack in Arugam Bay.