The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence warned on Wednesday of the ongoing threat of secessionist both on and off the island.

"Although we have defeated terrorism in Sri Lanka, it was only armed terrorism that was defeated. While armed terrorism was defeated there are still secessionists in various locations. They could be within Sri Lanka as well. It is certainly clear that they exist outside of Sri Lanka, they speak about it openly," said the Ministry's spokesperson Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya at a press briefing on Wednesday.

"There are groups in foreign countries which have said they will not turn back until a separate state has been created within Sri Lanka. There could be groups within Sri Lanka which are sponsored by them," he warned, vowing that "nevertheless, the Army will never allow for the people to be deprived of the freedom to spend time freely in Sri Lanka".

Also discussing military and diplomatic relations with India, Brigadier Wanigasooriya said:

"The Sri Lankan and Indian armies are conducting a joint military exercise under the name “Mithra Shakthi”. The exercises were held in India in 2012. The military exercises commenced in Kuda Oya on the third of this month. It will conclude in Hambantota on the 23rd of this month. More than 40 Indian Special Forces and Commando personnel are participating in the exercises. As a whole, 200 personnel from the Sri Lankan security forces are participating."