• Claims SL may experience undesirable developments from global/domestic extremism 
• Calls for probe into Public Security Min. officials in ‘cahoots’ with previous admins.

The United Republic Front (URF) party warned that Sri Lanka may experience undesirable developments as a result of global and domestic extremist activities, and that the Government must hence take preemptive steps to prevent such. 

He pointed out the importance of strengthening the Public Security Ministry.

URF Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka made these remarks during a press briefing held yesterday (21) to discuss several concerns surrounding the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings, including how the investigations were impeded by various factors and how they did not meet the public’s expectations. Noting that the loss caused by the Eater Sunday attacks was significant, especially economically and socially, Ranawaka said that the Government should therefore focus on preventing such issues in the future as extremist elements are still active.

He opined that these threats are not limited to the domestic context. With the hostile developments in the Gaza Strip in Palestine and Israeli tourists visiting Sri Lanka, Ranawaka added, certain extremist groups are plotting to create issues, and that therefore, Sri Lanka should not be a target: “Today, the Maldives has completely barred Israeli tourists. Issues were reported in countries like Brazil and South Africa. Such issues should not be allowed to arise in Sri Lanka.”

Moreover, he claimed that there are reasons to suggest that certain Public Security Ministry officials have questionable links including with members of former administrations, and that such should be probed.