Refuting allegations that Islamic State members were grouping in Sri Lanka, the minister of law and order, Sagala Ratnayaka said the government was taken "adequate measures to prevent foreign terrorist organisations from making use of Sri Lanka".
Stating that the government had made efforts to "dissuade the Muslim community from joining in extremist activities", the minister said the government had also "prevented the propaganda spread of extremist ideas though social media, and taken proper measures against this by deactivating accounts that spread ISIS ideas, as well as taking legal action against any lecturers or institutions who propagate such extremist ideas."
"It was found on the internet that a place was found in Dehiwala housing members of the ISIS," Mr Ratnayaka said.
"It was also stated they have found suicide kits. Those who were supporting the previous regime spread this information to disrupt reconciliation. Now the minister is confirming that no such members were found. Adding more to it, another website has identified Salamulla, Dehiwala, Kurunegala, and Kandy as places with ISIS activities. It appears that they are better informed than the intelligence community of the country.”
“A number of international organisations come under regular monitoring where regular exchange of intelligence reports take place between Sri Lankan authorities and their counterparts in the rest of the world. If they know of such information media politicians have an obligation to inform the community."
Stating that the government had made efforts to "dissuade the Muslim community from joining in extremist activities", the minister said the government had also "prevented the propaganda spread of extremist ideas though social media, and taken proper measures against this by deactivating accounts that spread ISIS ideas, as well as taking legal action against any lecturers or institutions who propagate such extremist ideas."
"It was found on the internet that a place was found in Dehiwala housing members of the ISIS," Mr Ratnayaka said.
"It was also stated they have found suicide kits. Those who were supporting the previous regime spread this information to disrupt reconciliation. Now the minister is confirming that no such members were found. Adding more to it, another website has identified Salamulla, Dehiwala, Kurunegala, and Kandy as places with ISIS activities. It appears that they are better informed than the intelligence community of the country.”
“A number of international organisations come under regular monitoring where regular exchange of intelligence reports take place between Sri Lankan authorities and their counterparts in the rest of the world. If they know of such information media politicians have an obligation to inform the community."