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Sri Lanka
Statement:2019
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Date
Incidents
January - 5 
As long as Sri Lanka remains divided on lines of race, religion, caste, language, regions, poor and rich, the country will be devoid of the ‘balance’ to forge ahead, said Sivaraja Rashasingham, PLOTE’s (People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam) coordinator based in Norway, reports The Island
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As long as Sri Lanka remains divided on lines of race, religion, caste, language, regions, poor and rich, the country will be devoid of the ‘balance’ to forge ahead, said Sivaraja Rashasingham, PLOTE’s (People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam) coordinator based in Norway, reports The Island on January 5."The ‘imbalance’ could open the door to outside forces to take control. It is left to us to decide whether to allow such forces to triumph or to take ‘control’ ourselves without being slaves to external elements, who will have their way, if they succeed", he said in an interview during a visit to Colombo, last week.PLOTE, a one-time militant group, later worked with the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) to crush the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). After entering the political firmament, PLOTE contested parliamentary polls. The group’s leader, DharmalingamSiddarthan, is a Member of Parliament (MP).
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January - 10 
Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said on January 10 that Sri Lanka has today become a center of drug smuggling, mainly due to politicians harbouring drug smugglers, reports Daily Mirror. Rajapaksa said it was time for the parents to take action to safeguard their children from drugs without waiti
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Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said on January 10 that Sri Lanka has today become a center of drug smuggling, mainly due to politicians harbouring drug smugglers, reports Daily Mirror. Rajapaksa said it was time for the parents to take action to safeguard their children from drugs without waiting for the government to do so.“A strong system based on religious places of worship should be made to eradicate the drug menace. The police and other security forces should take legal action against drug smugglers without giving into political influences," he said.
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January - 10 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M.A Sumanthiran told Parliament on January 10 that he is ready to admit that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) committed war crimes, reports Colombo Gazette. He said that all international reports very clearly say that both the military and the
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M.A Sumanthiran told Parliament on January 10 that he is ready to admit that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) committed war crimes, reports Colombo Gazette. He said that all international reports very clearly say that both the military and the LTTE committed war crimes.Sumanthiran said that he will come under fire from his community for saying the LTTE committed war crimes.However, he said he is prepared to admit that the LTTE did commit war crimes during the war.“All parties committed (war crimes),” he added
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January - 11 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 11 emphasized that no room will be left for any proposal to divide the country and the foremost place would be given to Buddhism in the new Constitution, reports Colombo Page.Presenting report of experts on drafting a new Constitution on Janu
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 11 emphasized that no room will be left for any proposal to divide the country and the foremost place would be given to Buddhism in the new Constitution, reports Colombo Page.Presenting report of experts on drafting a new Constitution on January 11, the Prime Minister stressed that the proposed new Constitution will not have any negative implications on the priority granted to Buddhism and the unitary state of the country.Rejecting allegations by the Opposition, Prime Minister said the divisions within a country were not a concern and politically destitute people are trying to make such claims as today they have no other topic to talk about.He added that it is unlikely that there is anyone who wants to change the 9th Article regarding Buddhism was included in the 1972 Constitution by the committee led by Former Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake The Prime Minister on January 11 presented the report prepared by the Panel of Experts for the Steering Committee, which is based on the Interim report, six sub-committee reports and representations made by political parties on drafting a new Constitution to the Constitutional Assembly.
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January - 13 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on January 13 said that some groups are attempting to postpone the provincial elections that need to be held soon by creating various stories about a presidential election, reports Colombo Page.Pointing out that by now, activities of six provincial councils
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on January 13 said that some groups are attempting to postpone the provincial elections that need to be held soon by creating various stories about a presidential election, reports Colombo Page.Pointing out that by now, activities of six provincial councils have been stalled, the President said it is not favorable for the democracy and also against the objectives of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution."Therefore, those who are talking about a presidential election should be ready for a provincial council election before the presidential election," the President said adding that he had already discussed the matter with the Elections Commission Chairman.Speaking further, the President said that it was necessary to hold elections in the provinces and give people the right to vote.
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January - 13 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 13 said that he will conduct discussions with the Maha Sangha on improving Buddhism within the country, reports Colombo Page. He said that steps will be taken with the participation of Education, Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs ministries
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 13 said that he will conduct discussions with the Maha Sangha on improving Buddhism within the country, reports Colombo Page. He said that steps will be taken with the participation of Education, Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs ministries to promote cooperation and harmony among all religions in the country.
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January - 14 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 14 requested all parties to not to spread misinformation on the new constitution raising false alarms to mislead the masses and create panic in the country, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister said currently, there is an attempt to sprea
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 14 requested all parties to not to spread misinformation on the new constitution raising false alarms to mislead the masses and create panic in the country, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister said currently, there is an attempt to spread racism by propagating false information on the new constitution and certain politicians meet with the chief prelates and spread false rumors that the government will bring in a new constitution that will divide the country and take away the foremost place given to Buddhism. He urged the relevant parties not to ‘set fire to the country’ by sowing communalism and making the new constitution a ‘bogeyman’.
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January - 16 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed to introduce a mechanism to ensure a ‘formal say’ for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in the execution of development activities in predominantly Tamil areas in the North and the East, Jaffna District TNA MP (Member of Parliament) Dharmalingam Sithathdan
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed to introduce a mechanism to ensure a ‘formal say’ for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in the execution of development activities in predominantly Tamil areas in the North and the East, Jaffna District TNA MP (Member of Parliament) Dharmalingam Sithathdan said on January 16, reports Daily Mirror. Dharmalingam Sithathdan said the TNA parliamentary group met with the premier last week to discuss the matter. He said the Prime Minister agreed to work out a mechanism for it to be involved in development activities in the North and the East. “We informed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that we wanted a formal say in the process. Afterwards, we discussed as to how a mechanism could be worked out. The premier agreed with us,” he said.
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January - 16 
Skeletal remains of 300 people and human bones have been unearthed as of January 16 from the mass grave found in Mannar in Mannar District of Northern Province after the grave area has been expanded for a second time since the excavations began on May 28, 2018, Senior Judicial Medical Officer Shamin
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Skeletal remains of 300 people and human bones have been unearthed as of January 16 from the mass grave found in Mannar in Mannar District of Northern Province after the grave area has been expanded for a second time since the excavations began on May 28, 2018, Senior Judicial Medical Officer Shaminda Rajapaksa said, reports Colombo Page. The excavations at the mass grave resumed on January 16 after temporarily suspending the activities on January 11. Until January 16 excavations have been carried out for 130 days and skeletal remains belonging to 300 individuals have been unearthed from the mass grave at the old Sathosa building site, the official said. Out of this total, skeletal remains of 294 individuals have been systematically removed and currently sealed and placed in a special chamber at the Mannar Magistrate's Court complex, Dr. Rajapaksa said. Remains of 23 bodies believed to be children's have been separated.
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January - 22 
Sri Lanka's Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) said that it will reject any attempt to formulate a new Constitution, claiming that the proposals which have been announced so far fall short of an acceptable solution for the Tamils in terms of the devolution of power, reports The Week on Janua
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Sri Lanka's Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) said that it will reject any attempt to formulate a new Constitution, claiming that the proposals which have been announced so far fall short of an acceptable solution for the Tamils in terms of the devolution of power, reports The Week on January 22. The TELO, a constituent of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), in a statement said that the party stood for a federal solution based on the concept of fully-fledged self-determination for the Tamils in the north and east, but the current proposals are aimed at preserving the unitary character of the island.
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January - 23 
Sri Lankan human rights activists, lawmakers and relatives of slain and disappeared journalists held a vigil over their abductions, killings and disappearances and demanded the Government expedite investigations, reports Colombo Page on January 24. Freddie Gamage, an organizer of the vigil, said des
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Sri Lankan human rights activists, lawmakers and relatives of slain and disappeared journalists held a vigil over their abductions, killings and disappearances and demanded the Government expedite investigations, reports Colombo Page on January 24. Freddie Gamage, an organizer of the vigil, said despite being in power for four years, the current government "has miserably failed to fulfil its promise to punish those responsible for attacks on journalists.
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January - 26 
The Sri Lankan Government intends to complete construction of 4,750 houses within six months for the benefit of the people in the North under its plan to build 10,000 houses in stages, an official said on January 26, reports Daily Mirror. This project has been launched by the Ministry of National Po
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The Sri Lankan Government intends to complete construction of 4,750 houses within six months for the benefit of the people in the North under its plan to build 10,000 houses in stages, an official said on January 26, reports Daily Mirror. This project has been launched by the Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development, Vocational Training, Skills Development and Youth Affairs. Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy said that the priority would be given to internally displaced persons (IDPs), families in welfare camps and refugee returnees. There would be a special focus on women-led families, the disabled, landmine-affected families, families of missing persons, low income groups, families living in huts with children and families with elderly persons. "The first phase of 4,750 houses is being constructed through the vote on account allocation following the decision of a high-powered steering committee. The housing programme will be implemented through the district and divisional administration and based on the number of IDPs, families in the welfare camps and refugee returnees. Under the first phase 1,500 houses will be for Jaffna, 670 houses for Kilinochchi, 630 houses for Mullaitivu, 450 houses for Vavuniya, 350 houses for Mannar, 625 houses for Batticaloa, 400 houses Trincomalee and 125 houses for Ampara,” he said.
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January - 28 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has not yet accepted the concept of a Unitary State, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila said on January 28, reports Daily Mirror. “Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said recently that there was no draft Constitution and that the TNA had accepted
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has not yet accepted the concept of a Unitary State, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila said on January 28, reports Daily Mirror. “Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said recently that there was no draft Constitution and that the TNA had accepted the concept of a Unitary State. Unfortunately, the PM still attempts to deceive the nation. We pointed out that the phrase 'this Constitution' can be found in the first page of the document tabled by him in the Constitutional Assembly,” he said. He also said TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran was the author of the draft and that he admitted that the document was a draft Constitution. “Having a TV debate with us, he further said they were not ready to accept the concept of a Unitary State. They accept ‘Aekiya Rajyaya’ after assigning their own definition. Hence, nobody can claim that the TNA has accepted the concept of a Unitary State. We must be thankful for MPs Sampanthan and Sumanthiran for accepting the fact that the draft Constitution is full of federal features,” he said.
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January - 30 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, on January 30, said that in addition to the programs that are being implemented to control and eradicate illicit drugs, new set of programs will also be launched within the next few months, reports Colombo Page. The new programs aim at the school students a
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, on January 30, said that in addition to the programs that are being implemented to control and eradicate illicit drugs, new set of programs will also be launched within the next few months, reports Colombo Page. The new programs aim at the school students and public servants to further strengthen the fight against drug and a special program has been launched with the help of universities to save youth from illicit drugs, the President said. He also said the illicit drugs are part of a major coup of certain organized groups to destroy the country and fight against drugs will be carried out on a war footing, similar to the war to defeat Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism.
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January - 31 
Around 83 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from various camps in Tamil Nadu in India on January 31 voluntarily returned to Sri Lanka with the assistance of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), authorities said, reports Colombo Page. A group of 83 Sri Lankan Tamils who had fled the country
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Around 83 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from various camps in Tamil Nadu in India on January 31 voluntarily returned to Sri Lanka with the assistance of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), authorities said, reports Colombo Page. A group of 83 Sri Lankan Tamils who had fled the country during the war and lived in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu has arrived in Sri Lanka on January 31. The Prime Minister’s Media Office in a statement said that the Government is committed to taking all necessary measures to build peace and reconciliation among every Sri Lankan, and accordingly, invited all citizens who fled the country during the wartime to return home. The Government would take necessary steps to resettle the returned refugees in their respective residential areas such as Vavuniya, Mannar, Matale, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Jaffna, the release further said. According to the statement, 11,020 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, who had been sheltered in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, have voluntarily returned to the country so far since 2009 and 3,815 more refugees have expressed their desire to return to Sri Lanka under the patronage of the UNHCR. The UN agency has provided the refugees with air fare and several allowances. The allowances given for the returning refugees include an allowance of LKR 10,000 per person over 18 years and LKR 7,500 for a person under the age of 18 for reintegration, Transport allowance of LKR 2,500 per person, personal allowance of LKR 5,000 per person and LKR 5,000 allowance for family on arrival.
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January - 31 
The proposed Counter Terrorism Act (CTA) intended to repeal its draconian predecessor, needs substantial amendment to be brought in line with international law, Amnesty International said in a statement on January 31, reports Colombo Gazette.Sri Lanka promised to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism A
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The proposed Counter Terrorism Act (CTA) intended to repeal its draconian predecessor, needs substantial amendment to be brought in line with international law, Amnesty International said in a statement on January 31, reports Colombo Gazette.Sri Lanka promised to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) when it cosponsored United Nations Human Rights Council (UHRC) Resolution 30/1 in September 2015 and to replace it with anti-terrorism legislation which would be in accordance with contemporary international best practice.Despite their commitment, the Government of Sri Lanka has delayed doing so by more than three years. Amnesty International is concerned that the proposed legislation falls short in many sections from what the Government promised. The PTA was a temporary measure when it was enacted in 1979. Consecutive governments have chosen to retain it and the Act has in turn became a permanent feature of Sri Lanka’s criminal justice system.It allows for suspects to be held without charge for up to 18 months, special rules of evidence allowing for confessions to be admissible in court, and for the onus to be placed on a suspect to prove to a court that a statement was made under duress.Since the armed conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) erupted in 1983, tens of thousands of Tamils suspected of links to the LTTE have been arrested and detained under the PTA. The Act was also used as a tool to quell dissent against Government.
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February - 4 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on February 4 declared that he strongly opposes the idea of the proposed National Government, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the nation at the 71st National Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on February 4 the President said the proposed National Gov
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on February 4 declared that he strongly opposes the idea of the proposed National Government, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the nation at the 71st National Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on February 4 the President said the proposed National Government is simply an attempt to increase the number of cabinet ministers and provide privileges to the ministers at the people's expense. Calling the move unethical the President said the people's wish is to limit the Cabinet to 25 ministers. President Sirisena stressed that the present administration should focus on serving the general public.
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February - 6 
Senior officials in charge of excavation of ‘Mannar mass grave’ in Mannar District of Northern Province on February 6 said that so far of the skeletal remains found, 26 were of children, reports The Island. By February 6, experts have so far unearthed skeletal remains belonging to 312 persons and 29
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Senior officials in charge of excavation of ‘Mannar mass grave’ in Mannar District of Northern Province on February 6 said that so far of the skeletal remains found, 26 were of children, reports The Island. By February 6, experts have so far unearthed skeletal remains belonging to 312 persons and 297 of them were removed from the grave for further investigations. Recently, selected samples were sent to a United States (US) testing facility for carbon testing. On site Judicial Medical Officer Saminda Rajapaka said that results would be available within one week. The human skeletal remains were first found by some construction workers while excavating the site behind the CWE Building in Mannar as part of a development project on May 25 2018. On the same day a complaint was lodged with the Mannar Police. Investigations began under the supervision of former Mannar Magistrate Alex Raja. Excavations commenced, on May 28, 2018 after it was determined by a team of scientists that the area contained undisturbed skeletons.
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February - 9 
Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on February 9 said that the provincial council election will be held definitely before the presidential election, reports Colombo Page. Speaking at an event in Polonnaruwa, the President said that the relevant constitutional issues will be resolved before the
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Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on February 9 said that the provincial council election will be held definitely before the presidential election, reports Colombo Page. Speaking at an event in Polonnaruwa, the President said that the relevant constitutional issues will be resolved before the elections and the Presidential Election will be held on the due date by the end of the year. President Sirisena noted that no one can force to conduct the Presidential Election and only he has the power to do so. An order in this regard cannot be given by the Parliament or the Judiciary. He said that the constitution clearly states that if a Presidential Election is held early, a gazette notification in that regard can be issued only by the President.
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February - 10 
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi (India), Austin Fernando said that Sri Lanka needs Tamil refugees in India and want them to return their home land, reports The Hindu on February 11. “Sri Lanka needs them [Tamil refugees in India]. We want them to return. And, after a disastrous situa
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The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi (India), Austin Fernando said that Sri Lanka needs Tamil refugees in India and want them to return their home land, reports The Hindu on February 11. “Sri Lanka needs them [Tamil refugees in India]. We want them to return. And, after a disastrous situation, people do not get the best of things which they would like to have. But we will try to give the best [offer] to everyone who return”, Austin Fernando said during his visit to Chennai in Tamil Nadu (India) to obtain first-hand knowledge of the situation pertaining to Tamil refugees. A team of officials from Colombo, including Sumith Nakandala, Additional Secretary [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] are currently in India to deal with the Tamil refugees’ problems in India.
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February - 11 
United Kingdom (UK) on February 11 announced that the Core Group on Sri Lanka will present a resolution at the 40th session of the UNHRC scheduled to be held from 25 February - 22 March 2019, reports Colombo Page. The Core Group on Sri Lanka, comprising Canada, Germany, Macedonia, Montenegro and the
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United Kingdom (UK) on February 11 announced that the Core Group on Sri Lanka will present a resolution at the 40th session of the UNHRC scheduled to be held from 25 February - 22 March 2019, reports Colombo Page. The Core Group on Sri Lanka, comprising Canada, Germany, Macedonia, Montenegro and the UK will present a resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, the representative of the UK announced at the UNHRC Organizational Meeting held on February 11.
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February - 17 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe directed authorities in Resettlement Ministry and Divisional Secretariat to make arrangements to speed the resettlement process of displaced Muslim families of Jaffna, reports Colombo Page on February 18. The PM has taken this measure in response to an
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe directed authorities in Resettlement Ministry and Divisional Secretariat to make arrangements to speed the resettlement process of displaced Muslim families of Jaffna, reports Colombo Page on February 18. The PM has taken this measure in response to an appeal by Sri Lanka's Minister for Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Rishad Bathiudeen. Among the 20000 Northern Muslim families that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) expelled overnight from their traditional homes in North on 1990 October 30 was the eight-member family of Minister Bathiudeen. "Muslim IDPs who were resettled in Jaffna after the war, complain about the space of land available to them. They say the land is not enough for their growing population. Therefore, some of them have even returned from the resettled locations back to their camps," Minister Bathiudeen complained calling for PM Wickremesinghe's attention to the issue. This is the first time in three decades that the Jaffna's displaced Muslims, since their expulsion in 1990 by the LTTE, are hearing good news on their future, Minister Bathiudeen said.
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February - 20 
Mannar District Judge T. Swarnaraja on February 20 said that he couldn’t decide on the radiocarbon dating report received from the Unites States (US) in respect of six bone samples obtained from the Mannar mass grave until the court received the final official document directly from the US facility,
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Mannar District Judge T. Swarnaraja on February 20 said that he couldn’t decide on the radiocarbon dating report received from the Unites States (US) in respect of six bone samples obtained from the Mannar mass grave until the court received the final official document directly from the US facility, reports The Island. The report handed over to Swarnaraja was received by Judicial medical Officer Saminda Rajapaksa, in charge of the excavation of skeletal remains. Acknowledging the report received from Dr. Rajapaksa, Swarnaraja said that it was not the final report. Six bone samples obtained from the Mannar mass grave, located at the Sathosa
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February - 20 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader, R Sampanthan rejected the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's call to 'forgive and forget' the past, demanding justice through an international mechanism and stressing that offenders should be punished, reports Tamil Guardian on February 20. R Sampanthan said in an
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader, R Sampanthan rejected the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's call to 'forgive and forget' the past, demanding justice through an international mechanism and stressing that offenders should be punished, reports Tamil Guardian on February 20. R Sampanthan said in an interview, "We want justice.""We welcome the statement where he acknowledged the war crimes committed by the state armed forces. However, we totally reject his notion of forgetting and forgiving. We will never allow the idea of forgetting and forgiving to take root. Victims of the war crime committed by the armed forces are still living in Vanni. Hence, the affected, the killed, and the enforced disappeared need justice. Facts must be discerned through an international mechanism. Offenders should be punished. The government should allow this.” “There is evidence. Domestic investigations conducted with the victims have confirmed that war crimes were committed during the final war. The victims have informed the international leaders and important officials who visited Sri Lanka of the truth. Therefore, no one can escape by saying that both sides have committed war crimes. That is, they cannot say that both the armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have committed war crimes and escape”, he said.“During the final war, the armed forces have committed war crimes not only against the Tamil people but also the LTTE. Surrendered and captured members of the LTTE were cruelly tortured. Many became enforced disappeared. Many were killed. The evidence for this has also been released.So, the Government of Sri Lanka must respect the resolutions passed by the United Nations and take measures to implement them properly. Facts must be found, and justice should be established.”, he added.
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February - 25 
Families of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province observed a shutdown on February 25, demanding justice for war-time human rights abuses, reports The Hindu. According to sources in the Northern Districts, most schools, shops and business establishments were shut, in an
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Families of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province observed a shutdown on February 25, demanding justice for war-time human rights abuses, reports The Hindu. According to sources in the Northern Districts, most schools, shops and business establishments were shut, in an act of solidarity with the relatives of missing persons, some of whom have been agitating continuously for two years now in Kilinochchi District.The University of Jaffna was also closed, and public transport services came to a halt. Thousands took to the streets, holding placards with messages such as “Where is my son?”, “UN, do not give additional time for Sri Lanka for war crime investigations”, and photographs of their missing relatives. Almost all political parties representing northern Tamils and Muslims extended their support to the rally, local media reports said. The shutdown comes just as the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) begins in Geneva, where a core group of countries, including the UK, Canada and Germany, will likely put forth a new resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. The move is expected to give Sri Lanka more time to fulfil its earlier assurances to the Council.
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February - 25 
The Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that he submitted a Cabinet memorandum asking for general amnesty to all those who are accused of war crimes - both from the armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Daily Mirror on February 26.
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The Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that he submitted a Cabinet memorandum asking for general amnesty to all those who are accused of war crimes - both from the armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Daily Mirror on February 26.In an interview, he said it was inappropriate to single out the armed forces as the only perpetrator of war crimes since there were many others involved in similar acts.He said some 12,000 LTTE combatants who were reintegrated into the society should also be tried for war crimes if legal action were instituted against military personnel. He said it would be an endless exercise to trace those from all sides who were accused of rights violations or war crimes and therefore the government should now dispense with this whole issue by granting general amnesty.
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February - 25 
The Security Forces (SFs) had extended the fullest support to the police to eradicate organised crimes, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake said on February 25, reports The Island. Responding to a question posed by journalists on the role of the army in dealing with
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The Security Forces (SFs) had extended the fullest support to the police to eradicate organised crimes, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake said on February 25, reports The Island. Responding to a question posed by journalists on the role of the army in dealing with the underworld, Senanayake said that the responsibility of ensuring law and order lay with the Police. "The police are doing a great job in eradicating organised crime. We assist in their endeavours by providing intelligence. The Navy and the Air Force do not hesitate to share what they know with the police."
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February - 27 
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said that the Counter Terrorism Bill, if enacted, would be repressive of all the institutions, the trade unions and the media, reports Daily Mirror on February 28. SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said that it was a bizarre piece of legislation seeking to terrorise
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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said that the Counter Terrorism Bill, if enacted, would be repressive of all the institutions, the trade unions and the media, reports Daily Mirror on February 28. SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said that it was a bizarre piece of legislation seeking to terrorise all the institutions under the pretext of countering terrorism. He said Section 3(C) of the Bill seeks to define any damage to the Government properties and facilities as acts of terrorism. He said the present Government even charged some protestors including a few MPs (Members of Parliament) for causing damage to the tar on the road by burning an effigy during a protest in Hambantota.
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March - 3 
A delegation consisting of representatives of at least four Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka is scheduled to head for Geneva to lobby the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for an international mechanism to speed up investigations into alleged human rights violations and accountability
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A delegation consisting of representatives of at least four Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka is scheduled to head for Geneva to lobby the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for an international mechanism to speed up investigations into alleged human rights violations and accountability issues, reports The Island on March 4. The delegation would also request the appointment of a UN Rapporteur for Sri Lanka, a top Tamil politician said on March 3. "Representatives of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO), Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) and People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) attended a two-hour meeting at a hotel in Jaffna, from 11.00 am, yesterday (March 2), to agree on submissions to be made to the UNHRC and the second and final round of our talks will be held within the next few days," former Northern Provincial Council member and TELO spokesman M. K. Sivajilingam said. Sivajilingam also said that all those present at March 2 meeting had said they had no faith in President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. "We’ll seek redress through an international judicial process, and we would first request the appointment of a UN Rapporteur for Sri Lanka," the TELO spokesman added.
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March - 5 
Making his Budget speech on March 5, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera announced a series of initiatives for the war-affected North and East Provinces, titled ‘Reconciliation through Economic Empowerment’, reports The Hindu. In addition to setting up a ‘Palmyra Fund’ of LKR 5,000 million to ‘fast
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Making his Budget speech on March 5, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera announced a series of initiatives for the war-affected North and East Provinces, titled ‘Reconciliation through Economic Empowerment’, reports The Hindu. In addition to setting up a ‘Palmyra Fund’ of LKR 5,000 million to ‘fast-track development in the region’, the Budget also provides for measures, including a monthly compensation for families of disappeared persons.
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March - 6 
However, hours after President Sirisena declared his position on March 6 morning — effectively going back on the pledges he made to the Tamil minority in 2015 — the Foreign Ministry said that Sri Lanka would continue to demonstrate its commitment and determination towards “a steady and long-lasting
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However, hours after President Sirisena declared his position on March 6 morning — effectively going back on the pledges he made to the Tamil minority in 2015 — the Foreign Ministry said that Sri Lanka would continue to demonstrate its commitment and determination towards “a steady and long-lasting reconciliation process through a co-sponsored resolution”, reports The Hindu.It will seek an extension of the timeline of resolution 30/1 of October 01, 2015, “through a co-sponsored roll-over resolution at the ongoing 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council,” the Ministry said in a statement.Even as President Sirisena’s move suggested resistance to any international oversight, the Foreign Ministry in its statement said “the entire mechanism and process of reconciliation is under the control of [the] Government of Sri Lanka”.
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March - 6 
President Maithripala Sirisena appointed a delegation of three representatives to attend the currently ongoing 40th session of the UNHRC in Geneva, reports Colombo Page.The Sri Lankan delegation to UNHRC session will include parliamentarians Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Mahinda Samarasinghe and Northern Pr
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President Maithripala Sirisena appointed a delegation of three representatives to attend the currently ongoing 40th session of the UNHRC in Geneva, reports Colombo Page.The Sri Lankan delegation to UNHRC session will include parliamentarians Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Mahinda Samarasinghe and Northern Province Governor Dr. Suren Raghavan, President said on March 6.
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March - 6 
President Maithripala Sirisena on March 6 said that he would ask the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to reconsider its 2015 resolution on the country, as he did not wish to ‘reopen old wounds’, reports The Hindu. President Maithripala Sirisena said that he was trying to settle issues ari
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President Maithripala Sirisena on March 6 said that he would ask the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to reconsider its 2015 resolution on the country, as he did not wish to ‘reopen old wounds’, reports The Hindu. President Maithripala Sirisena said that he was trying to settle issues arising out of Geneva Resolution 30/1 co-sponsored by Sri Lanka in October 2015 through dialogue and consensus.President Sirisena warned that he would deal firmly with those pursuing strategies contrary to his policy. Asserting that it was an internal issue of the Government, he emphasized the foreign policy was the prerogative of the President.
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March - 7 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on March 7 appeared to be on collision course with President Maithripala Sirisena over Sri Lanka’s commitment to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on war-time atrocities against Tamils as he reiterated the Government’s commitment to implementing the
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on March 7 appeared to be on collision course with President Maithripala Sirisena over Sri Lanka’s commitment to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on war-time atrocities against Tamils as he reiterated the Government’s commitment to implementing the UN resolution, reports Colombo Page.The Prime Minister’s Office in a joint statement with the Foreign Ministry on March 7 said Sri Lanka will continue to demonstrate its commitment and determination towards a steady and long-lasting reconciliation process through a co-sponsored resolution.It said the Government will seek an extension of the timeline of the UHRC resolution 30/1 of October 1, 2015, through a co-sponsored roll-over resolution at the ongoing 40th session of the UNHRC. The statement stands in contrast with President Sirisena’s comments on March 6 that he would send his own team to the UNHRC session later this month to seek a reprieve. He said the UN must allow Sri Lanka to resolve its own issues without digging into past.
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March - 8 
The United Nations (UN) Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture will visit Sri Lanka next month, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced on March 8, reports Colombo Page.The visit to Sri Lanka will take place in early April, and a media advisory announcing the precise da
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The United Nations (UN) Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture will visit Sri Lanka next month, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced on March 8, reports Colombo Page.The visit to Sri Lanka will take place in early April, and a media advisory announcing the precise dates, as well as further information, will be issued ahead of the visit, the OHCHR said.The visit was decided during the Subcommittee's confidential session held in Geneva from 18 to 22 February.
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March - 10 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on March 10 said that another set of samples from the Mannar mass grave should be sent for carbon dating in another country, reports The Island."This is not to say that we do not accept the reports sent by a lab in Florida, US, but given the importance of the Mannar gra
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on March 10 said that another set of samples from the Mannar mass grave should be sent for carbon dating in another country, reports The Island."This is not to say that we do not accept the reports sent by a lab in Florida, US, but given the importance of the Mannar grave site we need to get a second opinion," Mullaitivu District MP (Member of Parliamnet), Nirmalanathan Sivamohan said.Nothing had been done when 96 skeletons were found, previously, in a mass grave in Thirukeethiswaran in Mannar, the MP said. Sivamohan said that, "The Archeological Department stated that Thirukeethiswaran grave site was an ancient one.Just like that now the US is saying that the mannar site is also ancient."The MP insisted that the lab in Florida had not attempted to identify the victims and further tests to determine the identity of those in the graves should be done."A lot of people went missing in Mannar during the war. We need to expand the excavations at the mass grave site. We must do further tests to identify the victims. The TNA insists that the excavations and testing should go on."
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March - 10 
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)again requested Sri Lanka to establish a hybrid court consisting of international judges, lawyers and investigators to probe war crimes allegations and crimes against humanity, reports Colombo Page on March 11.The Annual Report of the Office of the Unit
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The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)again requested Sri Lanka to establish a hybrid court consisting of international judges, lawyers and investigators to probe war crimes allegations and crimes against humanity, reports Colombo Page on March 11.The Annual Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Sri Lanka presented to the UNHRC at its 40th session in Geneva by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle Bachelet last week recommended the Government to Adopt legislation establishing a hybrid court to investigate allegations of violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law. The High Commissioner in her report on "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka" recommended the Government to prepare a comprehensive strategy on transitional justice, with a time-bound plan to implement the pending commitments made within the context of Human Rights Council resolution 30/1 and the recommendations made in the present and previous reports of the High Commissioner submitted to the Council.With regard to legislation and justice, the High Commissioner recommended that the Government promptly investigate and prosecute all allegations of torture and other gross human rights violations, and give the highest priority to long-standing emblematic cases so as to regain public confidence in the justice system.
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March - 11 
The National Peace Council (NPC) and the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), on March 11, threw their weight behind the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) call for a second opinion after the Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory, in Florida, USA, cleared Sri Lanka Army of responsibility for Mannar mass grav
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The National Peace Council (NPC) and the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), on March 11, threw their weight behind the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) call for a second opinion after the Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory, in Florida, USA, cleared Sri Lanka Army of responsibility for Mannar mass grave by declaring the skeletons belonged to a period that covered the Portuguese and the Dutch rule, reports The Island. Mullaitivu District MP (Member of Parliament) Sivamohan on behalf of the TNA called for another set of bones to be tested at some other facility in a different country because of the importance of the matter. Executive Director of CPA Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, said that a second opinion could settle the matter for once and for all.
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March - 12 
President Maithripala Sirisena will not be sending a separate delegation to represent him at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Mahinda Samarasinghe said in Parliament on March 12, reports The Island.Speaking during the comm
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President Maithripala Sirisena will not be sending a separate delegation to represent him at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Mahinda Samarasinghe said in Parliament on March 12, reports The Island.Speaking during the committee stage debate on the Budget, MP Samarasinghe said that following discussions held yesterday President Sirisena had agreed that the government’s delegation to Geneva would be led by Foreign Minister TilakMarapana. UPFA MP Dr Sarath Amunugama, who is currently sitting in the Opposition, and Northern Province Governor Dr Suren Raghavan would also be included in the five-member official delegation. Samarasinghe said that the President had planned to send his own delegation as the Government had initially not named an official government delegation and tasked the country’s mission in Geneva with articulating the government’s stance at the sessions.MP Samarasinghe, who was initially due to be part of the delegation, said he had withdrawn as he told President Sirisena that it was important to send a single delegation to represent the country.
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March - 13 
The British High Commission (BHC) on March 13 said that a decision on a second opinion on Mannar mass graves was up to the authorities concerned, reports The Island. A BHC spokesperson said, "That is an issue for the investigating authorities. As noted by the High Commissioner during his recent visi
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The British High Commission (BHC) on March 13 said that a decision on a second opinion on Mannar mass graves was up to the authorities concerned, reports The Island. A BHC spokesperson said, "That is an issue for the investigating authorities. As noted by the High Commissioner during his recent visit to Mannar an impartial and conclusive investigation that inspires confidence, is in the interests of all communities in Sri Lanka."The spokesperson said so in response to the query whether the UK supported the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)’s call for a second opinion from another lab in a different country as regards Mannar mass grave following a leading US lab ruling out that the bones belonged to people killed during civil war.
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March - 17 
Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 17 said that Sri Lanka should not co-sponsor the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution coming up this time, reports Daily Mirror. He, in a statement, said the Government has announced that they will co-sponsor yet another resolution broug
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Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 17 said that Sri Lanka should not co-sponsor the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution coming up this time, reports Daily Mirror. He, in a statement, said the Government has announced that they will co-sponsor yet another resolution brought against Sri Lanka in the UNHRC.
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March - 24 
The Chief Investigating officer and Senior Judicial Medical Officer, Dr. ShamindaRajapakse said that a decision has been taken to halt the excavations of the Mannar mass grave in Northern Province for three months, reports Colombo Page on March 24. The decision has been reached at a discussion held
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The Chief Investigating officer and Senior Judicial Medical Officer, Dr. ShamindaRajapakse said that a decision has been taken to halt the excavations of the Mannar mass grave in Northern Province for three months, reports Colombo Page on March 24. The decision has been reached at a discussion held into late March 22 on the next steps to be taken regarding further excavations after carbon dating studies found that the bone samples obtained from the human skeletal remains were found to be belonged to a time period between 1499 and 1720 A.D.
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March - 25 
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), Michelle Bachelet admitted there were mistakes in compiling the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) report on Sri Lanka and thus advised the two officials who attended to the compilation to be more responsible and cautious herea
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), Michelle Bachelet admitted there were mistakes in compiling the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) report on Sri Lanka and thus advised the two officials who attended to the compilation to be more responsible and cautious hereafter, Northern Province Governor Dr. Suren Raghavan said on March 25, reports Daily Mirror. He said the UNHRC Chief – whom he recently met with in Geneva – admitted that certain facts incorporated in the UNHRC report against Sri Lanka could not be condoned whatsoever.
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March - 26 
It was high time the claim of 40,000 civilians killed during the last phase of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was expunged from the records, said Lord Naseby PC, the President of the All-Party British-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group in the UK Parliament, reports The Island
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It was high time the claim of 40,000 civilians killed during the last phase of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was expunged from the records, said Lord Naseby PC, the President of the All-Party British-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group in the UK Parliament, reports The Island on March 27. "I have carefully observed every stage of this year’s meeting of the UNHCR. Before I make any other comment, I wish to congratulate Tilak Marapana, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and Leader of the delegation on Sri Lanka’s statement. I have read meticulously all pages of the full statement. It is balanced, authoritative, measured, challenging and utterly professional – backed up by irrefutable facts and figures," he said. Naseby said that he was particularly proud that the Foreign Minister included, as one of three important annexes, the House of Lords debate he initiated and led in The House of Lords on 12th October 2017. "I now feel totally vindicated about persevering for over 2 years to extract under a ‘Freedom of Information’ Inquiry the dispatches of Lt Colonel Gash, the UK’s Military attaché in Colombo who saw the war at first hand. It is these dispatches that prove beyond any doubt that there never was a policy to kill Tamil civilians and that the Civilian Casualties were only around 5,500 at most," he said.
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March - 27 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on March 27 emphasized that he does not intend to take any action that would violate the constitution or harm the independence of the country according to the edicts of international community or anyone else, reports Colombo Page. He said the statement made
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on March 27 emphasized that he does not intend to take any action that would violate the constitution or harm the independence of the country according to the edicts of international community or anyone else, reports Colombo Page. He said the statement made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) that the private lands in the North and East used by the Security Forces (SFs) have not been released to the owners and the recommendation to appoint a commission for the release of lands were based on false information provided by the Non-governmental organizations. "There is no need to appoint such a commission," the President added. The President emphasized that while accepting what is right in the statements of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Government is no way ready to accept the wrong points.
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March - 27 
UNHCHR, Michelle Bachelet on March 27 said that a newspaper article quoting a senior Sri Lankan official "seriously misrepresents" her discussion of the recent UN Human Rights Office report on Sri Lanka with a Government delegation attending the Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 20, reports Co
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UNHCHR, Michelle Bachelet on March 27 said that a newspaper article quoting a senior Sri Lankan official "seriously misrepresents" her discussion of the recent UN Human Rights Office report on Sri Lanka with a Government delegation attending the Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 20, reports Colombo Page. The Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) in a statement said Monday's (March 25) article in Daily Mirror newspaper cited a member of the Government delegation, Northern Province Governor Dr. Suren Raghaven, claiming the High Commissioner "admitted that certain facts incorporated in the UNHRC report against Sri Lanka could not be condoned whatsoever." It also said he claimed she had advised two of her senior officials who attended the meeting "to be more responsible and cautious hereafter." "Neither of these claims are true," Bachelet said. "Either the newspaper misunderstood the Governor, or the Governor misunderstood - or misquoted - me."
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March - 28 
The Sri Lanka Army has released over five acres of private and state land held by the Security Forces (SFs) in Ampara and Trincomalee in the Eastern Province, reports Colombo Page on March 29. Documents pertaining to three acres of private land in Thiriyaya under Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat (
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The Sri Lanka Army has released over five acres of private and state land held by the Security Forces (SFs) in Ampara and Trincomalee in the Eastern Province, reports Colombo Page on March 29. Documents pertaining to three acres of private land in Thiriyaya under Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat (DS), 0.5 acre in Periyanilaweliin, Ampara under Kalmunai DS and a two-acre plot of state land in Thirukkovil area were formally handed over to the Governor of Eastern Province, M L A M. Hizbullah and the Assistant District Secretary for onward arrangements during a brief ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Trincomalee on March 25, the Army said.
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March - 29 
The Australian Acting Ambassador John Philp said on March 29 that its armed forces have no qualms about working with Sri Lankan Security Forces (SFs) accused of grave human rights violations during the country’s civil war, but added that the allegations must be taken seriously and investigated, repo
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The Australian Acting Ambassador John Philp said on March 29 that its armed forces have no qualms about working with Sri Lankan Security Forces (SFs) accused of grave human rights violations during the country’s civil war, but added that the allegations must be taken seriously and investigated, reports Colombo Page. John Philp said Australia wants to look to the future after the end of the war 10 years ago. "The approach we are taking is that we do want to work with the Sri Lankan tri-services. The war finished 10 years ago. We need to think about the future," Philp said. "We do know that there are serious allegations. We certainly believe that they should be taken seriously," Philp said. He also added that the Sri Lankan Government's recent co-sponsoring of a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reiterating its commitment to investigate the allegations gives Australia confidence.
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April - 1 
The Minister of Justice, Thalatha Atukorale on April 1 said that cases filed on 54 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suspects are set to commence and the Police are also still conducting investigations on six suspects, reports Colombo Gazette. She was responding in Parliament to questions rais
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The Minister of Justice, Thalatha Atukorale on April 1 said that cases filed on 54 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suspects are set to commence and the Police are also still conducting investigations on six suspects, reports Colombo Gazette. She was responding in Parliament to questions raised by some Tamil National Alliance (TNA) members over the plight of Tamil political prisoners. Atukorale has said in the past that there are no political prisoners in Sri Lanka. The Minister added that there are some LTTE suspects still in custody. She said that cases have been filed against 54 suspects and their cases will commence soon. The Minister also said that the advice of the Attorney General (AG) has been sought on three suspects. Speaking further, the Minister said that the Police are still investigating six suspects so further action cannot be taken.
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April - 4 
Former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said on April 4 that the Security Forces (SFs) should be strengthened whether there was a war or not and that due attention was not paid to upgrade and strengthen the SFs at present, reports Daily Mirror. He said in the Parliament that other countri
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Former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said on April 4 that the Security Forces (SFs) should be strengthened whether there was a war or not and that due attention was not paid to upgrade and strengthen the SFs at present, reports Daily Mirror. He said in the Parliament that other countries such as Singapore was allocating a huge share of its budget for SFs and added that a country's national security should be given prominence even before the economy. He also pointed out that SFs had not been provided with modern equipment and facilities to upgrade to suit the new technological advancement. "We are still using fighter jets used during World War 2. We have only one fighter jet right now. We should provide modern fighter jets with the air force. Navy also should be given modern vessels," he said.
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April - 7 
Some former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres have recently alleged they are under constant surveillance by the military though they have undergone rehabilitation, reports The Island on April 7. They have also claimed that military interference has hampered their political activity. Uni
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Some former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres have recently alleged they are under constant surveillance by the military though they have undergone rehabilitation, reports The Island on April 7. They have also claimed that military interference has hampered their political activity. United States (US) Human Rights activist Critina James, on April 5 received a briefing from former LTTE cadres during a visit to the Jaffna peninsula. The former LTTE cadres said that they had also complained to the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) about military interference. They met the US activist as members of a North-based political party consisting of ex-LTTE cadres. They alleged the people were still suspicious of them due to the military constantly watching their movements.
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April - 8 
Sri Lanka and India on April 8 agreed to increase cooperation in security and defence spheres in several areas, including regional security, curbing drug smuggling and human trafficking and training of members of the Security Forces (SFs), reports Colombo Page. These issues were discussed when India
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Sri Lanka and India on April 8 agreed to increase cooperation in security and defence spheres in several areas, including regional security, curbing drug smuggling and human trafficking and training of members of the Security Forces (SFs), reports Colombo Page. These issues were discussed when Indian Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the President's official residence in Colombo on April 8. The President thanked the Indian Government for the cooperation extended to Sri Lanka in security issues and for training provided to Sri Lankan SFs personnel. He also requested to increase the number of personnel trained by India. The Indian Defence Secretary agreed to look into the possibility of enhancing training facilities. President Sirisena stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries to ensure regional security. They also exchanged views on issues pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation and regional security.
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April - 12 
German authorities on April 12 indicted a Sri Lankan man suspected of involvement in killing 15 captured Government soldiers while fighting for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page.Federal prosecutors said on April 12 that 37-year-old Sivatheeban B is accused of membersh
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German authorities on April 12 indicted a Sri Lankan man suspected of involvement in killing 15 captured Government soldiers while fighting for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page.Federal prosecutors said on April 12 that 37-year-old Sivatheeban B is accused of membership in a foreign terrorist organization, war crimes, two cases of manslaughter and 11 cases of attempted manslaughter, according to the report.The man, whose surname wasn't released due to German privacy rules, was arrested in August.Prosecutors allege that in 2008 the suspect guarded 15 captured soldiers as they were driven to a site where they were executed, and later helped burn their bodies. In a separate incident a year later, he fired on 13 soldiers, two of whom died.
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April - 12 
The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture has completed its first visit to Sri Lanka from April2 to 12 where it examined the treatment of people deprived of their liberty and the safeguards in place for their protection against torture and ill-treatment, reports Colombo Page on April
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The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture has completed its first visit to Sri Lanka from April2 to 12 where it examined the treatment of people deprived of their liberty and the safeguards in place for their protection against torture and ill-treatment, reports Colombo Page on April 12.The delegation visited police stations, prisons, remand prisons, military camps, rehabilitation centers, mental health institution, a rehabilitation center for children, and held meetings with the Government representatives, Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission and civil society representatives."We have received good cooperation during the visit, having access to all places of detention, getting all relevant information and performing confidential interviews. We look positively on Sri Lanka's prospective development of a national preventive mechanism, as required under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture," said Victor Zaharia, who led the four-member delegation.
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April - 21 
Also, one of the suspects of Easter Sunday attacks in Colombo had written a letter to his mother asking for her forgiveness before killing himself inside a house in Mahawila Gardens Dematagoda on April 21, a senior official of the Colombo Crimes Division said, reports The Island. "We found the lette
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Also, one of the suspects of Easter Sunday attacks in Colombo had written a letter to his mother asking for her forgiveness before killing himself inside a house in Mahawila Gardens Dematagoda on April 21, a senior official of the Colombo Crimes Division said, reports The Island. "We found the letter when we searched the house. He had written that he had carried out the attack in the name of his religion."
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April - 21 
Sri Lankan Police said that 24 suspects were arrested so far in connection with the series of explosions that rocked the country on April 21, reports Colombo Page. The suspects are being detained in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and interrogated.
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Sri Lankan Police said that 24 suspects were arrested so far in connection with the series of explosions that rocked the country on April 21, reports Colombo Page. The suspects are being detained in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and interrogated.
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April - 21 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on April 21 stated that he will announce the appointment of a Special Investigation Committee within the next 24 hours to investigate the catastrophic attacks on the country's churches and high-end hotels on Easter Sunday, reports Colombo Page. The committee
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on April 21 stated that he will announce the appointment of a Special Investigation Committee within the next 24 hours to investigate the catastrophic attacks on the country's churches and high-end hotels on Easter Sunday, reports Colombo Page. The committee will be headed by a Judge of the Supreme Court and will investigate causes and circumstances of the tragedy that destroyed so many lives and the background for the grave national catastrophe as well as other factors that led to an attack of this magnitude.
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April - 21 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe strongly condemning the Easter Sunday's multiple bomb attacks on the country's churches and hotels said that the law enforcement authorities have been given powers to enforce the law strictly against the perpetrators of these attacks, reports Colombo Pa
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe strongly condemning the Easter Sunday's multiple bomb attacks on the country's churches and hotels said that the law enforcement authorities have been given powers to enforce the law strictly against the perpetrators of these attacks, reports Colombo Page. He said he sees the attacks as a move to destabilize the country and its economy and the culprits will be dealt with strictly.
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April - 21 
The multiple suicide bomb attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21 Easter Sunday is retaliation for the gunman attack in mosques in New Zealand, Sri Lankan State Minister of DefenseRuwanWijewardene said in Parliament on April 23, reports Colombo Page. He said in parliament that the in
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The multiple suicide bomb attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21 Easter Sunday is retaliation for the gunman attack in mosques in New Zealand, Sri Lankan State Minister of DefenseRuwanWijewardene said in Parliament on April 23, reports Colombo Page. He said in parliament that the initial investigation has revealed that this was in retaliation for the New Zealand mosque attack. The Minister said that further investigations are being carried out and the National ThawheedJama'ut (NTJ) believed to be responsible for the attacks has close connections with a local Islamic militant JammiyathulMillathu Ibrahim (JMI). "It was done by National ThawheedJama'ut along with JMI," the Minister said. The Minister also said that urgent measures should be taken to ban such Islamic extremist organizations and bring their members before the law. He said that immediate action should be taken against all the extremist groups operating in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the immovable and movable property belonging to them should be confiscated, he added. Pointing out that such an action only can protect national security, the Minister said the Muslim community in the country should not be looked at suspiciously because of the cowardly actions of such extremist groups.
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April - 21 
The State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardane, said that seven suspects were arrested so far and that all of the Colombo attacks had been carried out by suicide bombers. The Government has identified the attackers, he said, but he did not elaborate.
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The State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardane, said that seven suspects were arrested so far and that all of the Colombo attacks had been carried out by suicide bombers. The Government has identified the attackers, he said, but he did not elaborate.
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April - 21 April - 23
The death toll from the April 21 Easter Sunday terror attacks increased to 310 by April 23 (today) morning with 500 people have been injured, Police Spokesman RuwanGunasekara said, reports Daily Mirror. At least 307 civilians and three Security Forces (SFs) were among the dead. Additionally, seven s
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The death toll from the April 21 Easter Sunday terror attacks increased to 310 by April 23 (today) morning with 500 people have been injured, Police Spokesman RuwanGunasekara said, reports Daily Mirror. At least 307 civilians and three Security Forces (SFs) were among the dead. Additionally, seven suicide bombers were also killed in the series of coordinated attacks on April 21. Earlier, SATP had reported that at least 207 persons were killed and over 450 persons were injured in a series of coordinated bomb blasts at churches and luxury hotels in the country on April 21.
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April - 21 April - 25
Sri Lankan Authorities on April 25 revised the death toll from the April 21 Easter Sunday multiple suicide bombings to 253, from 359 originally estimated earlier, reports Colombo Page.Sri Lankan Health Ministry reportedly said that the death toll of the attacks revised to 253 from the previously 359
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Sri Lankan Authorities on April 25 revised the death toll from the April 21 Easter Sunday multiple suicide bombings to 253, from 359 originally estimated earlier, reports Colombo Page.Sri Lankan Health Ministry reportedly said that the death toll of the attacks revised to 253 from the previously 359 after a calculation error was discovered.Reportedly body parts of the deceased had been counted wrongly in the aftermath of the attacks. Earlier SATP also reported that the death toll in the attacks in had risen to 359 on April 24.
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April - 22 
International police organization, INTERPOL is deploying a team to Sri Lanka to assist the national authorities investigating the series of bomb attacks at churches and hotels which left nearly 310 dead and some 500 injured, reports Colombo Page. Checks are already being made against the Organizatio
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International police organization, INTERPOL is deploying a team to Sri Lanka to assist the national authorities investigating the series of bomb attacks at churches and hotels which left nearly 310 dead and some 500 injured, reports Colombo Page. Checks are already being made against the Organization's Stolen and Lost Travel Documents and nominal databases in order to identify potential investigative leads and international connections, INTERPOL said in a statement on April 22. Deployed at the request of the Sri Lankan authorities, the Incident Response Team (IRT) will include specialists with expertise in crime scene examination, explosives, counter-terrorism, disaster victim identification and analysis.
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April - 22 
Meanwhile, another explosion took place on April 22 inside a vehicle parked in the vicinity of the Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church, but no casualties were reported, the Police said, reports Colombo Page. The explosion took place a day after a spate of bomb blasts at nine locations killing 321 perso
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Meanwhile, another explosion took place on April 22 inside a vehicle parked in the vicinity of the Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church, but no casualties were reported, the Police said, reports Colombo Page. The explosion took place a day after a spate of bomb blasts at nine locations killing 321 persons and injuring nearly 500 others. Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church was one of the targets. Police Spokesman RuwanGunasekara said the police that detected a suspicious vehicle carried out a controlled explosion on suspicious devises inside the vehicle.
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April - 22 
Meanwhile, the United States (US) warned American citizens traveling to Sri Lanka to exercise increased caution due to possible terrorist attacks following Easter Sunday bomb attacks on churches and five -star hotels in Colombo, reports Colombo Page on April 23. A Level-2 Travel Advisory, issued by
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Meanwhile, the United States (US) warned American citizens traveling to Sri Lanka to exercise increased caution due to possible terrorist attacks following Easter Sunday bomb attacks on churches and five -star hotels in Colombo, reports Colombo Page on April 23. A Level-2 Travel Advisory, issued by the State Department said, "Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sri Lanka. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas."
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April - 22 
National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)on April 22 disclosed that local and international authorities confirm the non-involvement of Maldivians in the Easter terror attacks in various parts of Sri Lanka, reports The Edition. There were rumors about the involvement of Maldivians in the eight serial
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National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)on April 22 disclosed that local and international authorities confirm the non-involvement of Maldivians in the Easter terror attacks in various parts of Sri Lanka, reports The Edition. There were rumors about the involvement of Maldivians in the eight serial blasts on April 21 that had claimed 310 lives so far.
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April - 22 
The Sri Lankan Government on April 22 admitted that foreign intelligence authorities warned of imminent terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday (April 21), reports Daily Mirror. Heath Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that foreign intelligence authorities alerted the local defence agencies even ten min
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The Sri Lankan Government on April 22 admitted that foreign intelligence authorities warned of imminent terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday (April 21), reports Daily Mirror. Heath Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that foreign intelligence authorities alerted the local defence agencies even ten minutes before attacks. “These intelligence authorities have informed, from time to time, starting from April 4, 48 hours before the attacks and finally ten minutes before tragedy struck. They gave warnings about a possible attack on April 4 for the first time. Thereafter, National Intelligence Chief SisiraMendis, on behalf of the Defence Secretary, had informed the Inspector General Police (IGP) about the imminent attacks. He had actually informed that an organisation called ‘ThowheedJamath’ planned suicide attacks and had even mentioned their names. “He had informed that ThowheedJamath leaders Zaran Hashmi, JalhalHital, SajitMoulawi and Silhan had arrived in Sri Lanka to carry out the coordinated attacks. Then, DIG PriyalalDassanayake had informed the ministerial security division (MSD), judicial security division, security divisions in charge of former presidents and the Diplomatic Security Unit. However, he had failed to warn the Prime Ministerial Security Division (PMSD) and the Presidential Security Division (PSD) on the attacks. Although the Security Council meetings had been convened after last December, council member and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was never invited,” The Minister said.
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April - 23 
According to sources, the Sri Lankan State intelligence agencies had gathered information about 160 National ThowheedJamath (NTJ) members who had been trained by terrorists, but it had not been possible to arrest them as there had been no orders from higher authorities, reports The Island on April 2
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According to sources, the Sri Lankan State intelligence agencies had gathered information about 160 National ThowheedJamath (NTJ) members who had been trained by terrorists, but it had not been possible to arrest them as there had been no orders from higher authorities, reports The Island on April 24. Investigations had revealed that a group of persons, who had undergone training previously had trained the suicide cadres who carried out the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels. The investigators had not received orders from higher authorities to make arrests while the probe was on though information about the terrorists had been conveyed to the Defence Ministry and the Police, sources said. The information about the Islamic extremist group was elicited following a raid on a training facility of the terrorist group on a 75-acre coconut plantation in Wanatavilluwa, in January. Several persons responsible for destroying some Buddha statues in Mawanella were arrested by the CID, last December, and their arrests led the police to the Wanathawilluwa training facility. The investigators acted on an SMS received by one of the suspects to trace the camp. The CID recovered about 100 kilos of powerful C4 explosives, six gallons of nitrogen and 99 detonators buried on the plantation, on January 16. Investigations revealed that the members of the terrorist group had been trained in weapon handling in carrying out bomb attacks. Leader of the NTJ, SahajanHashim, had visited the training facility frequently and conducted lectures to the new recruits, sources said, adding that bombs had also been manufactured at the camp.
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April - 23 
Also, Sri Lankan Prime Minister RanilWickremesinghe in parliament on April 23 said it is possible the Easter Sunday suicide attacks were retaliation for the Christchurch attacks, reports Colombo Page. He said investigators have made good progress identifying suspects, adding that some of the bombers
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Also, Sri Lankan Prime Minister RanilWickremesinghe in parliament on April 23 said it is possible the Easter Sunday suicide attacks were retaliation for the Christchurch attacks, reports Colombo Page. He said investigators have made good progress identifying suspects, adding that some of the bombers had travelled abroad and then returned home.
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April - 23 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on April 23, while assuring the nation that he would take steps to curtail terrorism and bring back normalcy swiftly, said that he will make immediate changes in the high security positions as there was negligence in carrying out responsibilities, reports Co
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on April 23, while assuring the nation that he would take steps to curtail terrorism and bring back normalcy swiftly, said that he will make immediate changes in the high security positions as there was negligence in carrying out responsibilities, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the nation on April 23, President Sirisena urged the people and all the political parties to extend fullest cooperation setting aside differences to these efforts for the sake of the future generation. Expressing the grief, shock and deep dismay over the loss of lives in these ruthless acts of terrorism, the President stressed the imperative need for the support and unity of everybody in this national endeavor. President Sirisena expressed confidence that the terrorism can be curbed very soon as the law enforcement agencies have taken swift measures to identify and arrest the criminals responsible for acts of terrorism and aiding and abetting such acts. He thanked the law enforcements personnel for the effective steps taken to arrest the culprits and expressed condolences over the death of three Police officers while carrying out investigations in the aftermath of the terror attacks. The President disclosed that since 2017, there were intelligence information about emergence of terrorist groups and the fact that some of them receiving training in foreign countries. "Our security services kept a close vigilance on these groups," he said.
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April - 23 
The death toll from the April 21 Easter Sunday terror attacks increased to 321 with 500 persons were injured, reports Colombo Page on April 24. At least 45 children were among the 321 persons killed in the suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, the United Nations (UN) said on April 23, reports Daily Mir
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The death toll from the April 21 Easter Sunday terror attacks increased to 321 with 500 persons were injured, reports Colombo Page on April 24. At least 45 children were among the 321 persons killed in the suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, the United Nations (UN) said on April 23, reports Daily Mirror. “The total now is 45 children who died,” UNICEF spokesman Christophe Boulierac told reporters in Geneva, stressing that others “are wounded and are now fighting for their lives,” meaning the toll among minors from the Sunday attacks could rise.
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April - 23 
The Islamic State (IS or Daesh) has claimed responsibility for coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka which killed 321 people and injured about 500 others, the group's Amaq News Agency said on April 23, reports Colombo Page. However, the group did not give evidence for its claim. After claiming respon
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The Islamic State (IS or Daesh) has claimed responsibility for coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka which killed 321 people and injured about 500 others, the group's Amaq News Agency said on April 23, reports Colombo Page. However, the group did not give evidence for its claim. After claiming responsibility for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, the Islamic State (IS) on April 23 released a photo and a video of the mastermind of the attack and other suicide bombers, reports Colombo Page. The video and the photo released through the terrorist organization's official news outlet Amaq News Agency show the suicide bombers with the leader Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Amaq News Agency released a video showing the Sri Lanka attackers pledging allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In another report by the Amaq News Agency, a photo shows eight men allegedly Sri Lankan suicide bombers with the IS leader. Along with the photo, a report issued in Arabic on April 23, said "martyrdom-seeking attacks" and blasts from explosive devices, carried out by Islamic State fighters during a Christian holiday. The report said the attacks primarily targeted Christian churches and hotels in which foreigners were present, and involved seven martyrdom-seeking attacks and several explosive devices.
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April - 23 
Two brothers carried out two of the hotel suicide blasts in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, part of a wave of bombings that killed more than 321 persons, Police sources said on April 23, reports Colombo Page. The brothers, sons of a wealthy Colombo spice trader, blew themselves up as guests queued for b
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Two brothers carried out two of the hotel suicide blasts in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, part of a wave of bombings that killed more than 321 persons, Police sources said on April 23, reports Colombo Page. The brothers, sons of a wealthy Colombo spice trader, blew themselves up as guests queued for breakfast at the Shangri-La and Cinnamon Grand hotels in the capital, Colombo, the source said. An attack on a fourth hotel failed and helped lead Police to the Islamist group now blamed for the assault, they added. The brothers, whose names have not been revealed, were in their late twenties and operated their own "family cell", an investigation officer said. But it was not clear what ties they had to the other bombers involved in the devastating attacks against three high-end hotels and three churches. The pair were key members of the National ThowheethJama'ath (NTJ) which the government has blamed for the attacks, the official added. The whereabouts of the brothers' parents was unknown. But the blasts had a further impact on the family. One brother gave false identity details when he checked into the hotel, the investigator said. The other gave a real address which led police commandos to their family home in a commercial area of Colombo. "When the Special Task Force went there to investigate, one brother's wife set off explosives killing herself and her two children," the officer said. "It was a single terror cell operated by one family," the investigator said. "They had the cash and the motivation. They operated the cell and it is believed they influenced their extended family." Three police commandos were killed in the blast, and several extended family members are among those in detention. The brothers had been involved in their father's lucrative spice export business, investigators said. One brother checked into the Cinnamon Grand hotel and the other the Shangri-La on April 20. The next morning on April 21, at virtually the same time, they went to the hotels' Easter Sunday breakfast buffets and blew up explosives-laden backpacks, the officer said. Another bomb tore through a restaurant at the nearby Kingsbury hotel. Minutes before, similar explosions devastated three churches. Investigators said it was not known whether the brothers were in contact with the other bombers. Another would-be suicide bomber walked into a fourth luxury hotel in Colombo on April 21, official sources said. "This man had also checked into the hotel the previous day," the source said. It was not known if his explosives failed or he had a change of heart. But after the Shangri-la blast, staff at the unnamed hotel became suspicious and the man was tracked to a lodging near the capital. He blew himself up there when confronted by Police, the source said. Two bystanders were also killed. "What we have seen from the CCTV footage is that all the suicide bombers were carrying very heavy backpacks. These appear to be crude devices made locally," the source said.
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April - 23 
Police media spokesman SP RuwanGunasekara on April 23 said the Police have arrested 40 suspects in connection with the bomb attacks, reports Colombo Page. All of the individuals arrested are Sri Lankans.
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Police media spokesman SP RuwanGunasekara on April 23 said the Police have arrested 40 suspects in connection with the bomb attacks, reports Colombo Page. All of the individuals arrested are Sri Lankans.
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April - 24 
Meanwhile, one of the nine suicide bombers that detonated explosives on Easter Sunday was a woman, State Minister of Defence RuwanWijewardene said on April 24, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister’s comment came after Police confirmed that nine suicide bombers were involved in the blasts and eight hav
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Meanwhile, one of the nine suicide bombers that detonated explosives on Easter Sunday was a woman, State Minister of Defence RuwanWijewardene said on April 24, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister’s comment came after Police confirmed that nine suicide bombers were involved in the blasts and eight have been identified. It has been revealed that one of the suicide bombers had studied in Britain and Australia, report said. SATP earlier had reported that seven suicide bombers were killed in the attacks.
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April - 24 
Two suspects involved in the deadly Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka were Islamic State (IS) returnees from Syria and Iraq, investigators have found, reports The Hindu on April 25. The suspects’ exact role in planning and executing the ghastly serial bombings remains unclear, but Sri Lankan intell
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Two suspects involved in the deadly Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka were Islamic State (IS) returnees from Syria and Iraq, investigators have found, reports The Hindu on April 25. The suspects’ exact role in planning and executing the ghastly serial bombings remains unclear, but Sri Lankan intelligence has established that the two young men were IS-trained, said Colombo-based source who was part of a recent, high-level discussion on the attacks. “Now the pieces of the puzzle should start coming together,” the source said. Police spokesman RuwanGunasekara on April 24 said that, “A total of 60 suspects have been arrested so far”. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is chiefly investigating the attacks, is interrogating at least 32 suspects now, while the rest are in custody at different Police stations. Investigators are also studying if suspects had been moving about in the region in the recent past, official sources said. So far Sri Lanka’s investigating agencies have identified 139 persons as members of the National ThowheethJamaath (NTJ) and associated groups and ‘traced all of them’, an official Colombo-based source said. “It is believed that not all of them are militant, but details of their possible role in the attacks are still emerging.” Separately, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States (US) intelligence and law enforcement agency, will be assisting Sri Lanka in the investigations into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks on churches and hotels that killed 359 persons, reports Colombo Page. A spokesperson of the US Embassy in Colombo on April 24 confirmed to local media that the FBI will be providing technical assistance to the Sri Lankan Police investigating the attacks. Also, the State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, DilipWedaarachchi has given strict advice to the Ceylon Fishery Harbors Corporation and all the responsible officials to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all fisheries harbors with the assistance of the Security Forces (SFs), considering the situation at hand, reports Colombo Page. The Minister has ordered to take all necessary measures to fulfil this task with responsibility to assist the SFs with the operations following the Easter Sunday attacks as well as to strengthen the country's security.
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April - 26 
Also, Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara on April 26 said that 80 suspects had been arrested so far on suspicion of having links with the recent terror attacks, reports Daily Mirror. Police on April 26 arrested 10 suspects during the search operations carried out island wide.
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Also, Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara on April 26 said that 80 suspects had been arrested so far on suspicion of having links with the recent terror attacks, reports Daily Mirror. Police on April 26 arrested 10 suspects during the search operations carried out island wide.
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April - 26 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on April 26 said that he has fullest confidence that the law and order machinery has all the required capabilities to meet the challenge of terrorism and bring back peace and normalcy very soon, reports Colombo Page. During the media briefing in Colombo, he
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on April 26 said that he has fullest confidence that the law and order machinery has all the required capabilities to meet the challenge of terrorism and bring back peace and normalcy very soon, reports Colombo Page. During the media briefing in Colombo, he detailed out the short term and long-term measures to curb terrorism and bring back normalcy. "Major search operation has been undertaken. Every household in the country will be checked. The lists of permanent residents of every house will be established to ensure no unknown persons could live anywhere," he said and pointed out that during the fight against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism, similar methods were adapted. President Sirisena said that he suspects that the terrorists, perhaps hastened the planned attack, because of the major campaign he launched against illicit drugs. "There is a nexus between international terrorism and international drug trade. Furthermore, I got staunch support for anti-drugs campaign from His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, who joined us at Anti-Drug Walks. Perhaps the terrorist hastened the attacks on churches for these reasons". Asked about proscribing the Islamic militant groups responsible for terror attacks, the President said that can be done under the emergency laws, but the ban would end, when the emergency is lifted. "I have asked to draft a new legislation for proscribing these organizations and we are studying such laws enacted in Singapore and other countries". He recalled that when the LTTE terrorism broke out in early 80s, most Sinhala and Muslim people used to look at Tamils as if all of them were terrorists. However, people quickly learned about the LTTE and the fact that not all Tamils were terrorists, and that laid the foundation for the nation to unite for peace. "I request from Sinhala and Tamil people not to look at our country's Muslim community with suspicion, fear or distrust. You must keep in mind that not all Muslims are terrorists. It is only a very small minority who are linked to such a barbaric terrorist organization, he said. "It is very important therefore, that peace and harmony among Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil communities prevail. It is important for us to foster trust among us."
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April - 27 
Sri Lankan Police and Security Forces (SFs) have so far arrested 106 suspects in connection with the deadly Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on churches and hotels in the country that killed 253 persons, reports Colombo Page on April 27. The Police said that the Criminal Investigations Department
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Sri Lankan Police and Security Forces (SFs) have so far arrested 106 suspects in connection with the deadly Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on churches and hotels in the country that killed 253 persons, reports Colombo Page on April 27. The Police said that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has questioned a number of the suspects.
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April - 27 
The Police Media Spokesman's Office on April 27 said that 20 suspects were arrested during the preceding 24 hours. Kattankudy Police during a raid arrested seven suspects including the driver of Zhahran Hashim, the leader of the April 21 suicide bomb attackers. In a joint operation conducted by the
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The Police Media Spokesman's Office on April 27 said that 20 suspects were arrested during the preceding 24 hours. Kattankudy Police during a raid arrested seven suspects including the driver of Zhahran Hashim, the leader of the April 21 suicide bomb attackers. In a joint operation conducted by the Kalpitiya Police and the Navy, a suspect, who was in the possession of 50 SIM cards and other incriminating items, was arrested. The 40-year-old suspect is a Tamil medium teacher at a school in Horana area. Police also seized a laptop, seven CDs and two smartphones. The special attention of the Police is focused on why the suspect was in the possession of 50 SIM cards.
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April - 28 
The father and two brothers of the suspected mastermind of Easter Sunday bombings were killed when Security Forces (SFs) stormed their safe house on April 26, Police sources and a relative of the suicide bombers said on April 28, reports Colombo Page. Zainee Hashim, Rilwan Hashim and their father Mo
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The father and two brothers of the suspected mastermind of Easter Sunday bombings were killed when Security Forces (SFs) stormed their safe house on April 26, Police sources and a relative of the suicide bombers said on April 28, reports Colombo Page. Zainee Hashim, Rilwan Hashim and their father Mohamed Hashim, who were seen in a video circulating on social media calling for all-out war against non-believers, were among 15 killed in a fierce gun battle with the military on the east coast on April 26, Police sources said. Three of the people killed in April 26’s gun battle were the same people who were seen in the undated video on social media, in which they discus martyrdom and urge their followers to kill all non-believers, police sources said. SATP had earlier reported that 15 dead bodies were found at a house where several explosions took place in Kalmunai in Ampara District of Eastern Province on April 26.
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April - 28 
In a special joint operation conducted by the Army and Police in Vavuniya town, 10 suspects were arrested. On information received, main roads were blocked and search operations were carried out for nearly three hours. Security has already been confirmed in the area.
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In a special joint operation conducted by the Army and Police in Vavuniya town, 10 suspects were arrested. On information received, main roads were blocked and search operations were carried out for nearly three hours. Security has already been confirmed in the area.
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April - 28 
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on April 28 said that introducing legislation against extremism is a priority for the Government and new laws will be introduced to eliminate jihadism from the country, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister said the anti-terrorism draft bill tabled
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Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on April 28 said that introducing legislation against extremism is a priority for the Government and new laws will be introduced to eliminate jihadism from the country, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister said the anti-terrorism draft bill tabled in parliament last year should be debated and passed urgently. He said during the week a number of facts about the attack have been uncovered and many of those who participated in the attack were identified and arrested. "The suspect in connection with the jihadist attacks should be identified and produced before the law promptly. The government, President, the cabinet and I have given the orders to end this jihadi terrorism. We do not expect another 30-year war," he said.
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April - 29 
Sri Lankan Police have so far arrested 59 suspects with terrorist links including the six most wanted suspects for the Easter Sunday's deadly bomb attacks, SP RuwanGunasekara, Police Spokesman said on April 29, reports Colombo Page. During a joint Police and Tri Forces media briefing on April 29, SP
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Sri Lankan Police have so far arrested 59 suspects with terrorist links including the six most wanted suspects for the Easter Sunday's deadly bomb attacks, SP RuwanGunasekara, Police Spokesman said on April 29, reports Colombo Page. During a joint Police and Tri Forces media briefing on April 29, SP Gunasekara said of the arrested suspects, 44 including 7 women are in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) while 15 suspects including 2 women are being detained in the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) for questioning. Seven of those suspects are linked to the explosion at Dehiwala Tropical Inn hotel, near the Zoological gardens. All six wanted suspects, whose photos were released to the general public have now been arrested including a wanted woman from Mawanella. Brigadier SumithAtapattu, Military Spokesman said that all seven Security Force Headquarters across the country are round the clock launching search and clear operations, based on intelligence, largely provided by the public. All those suspects and warlike items, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), are taken into custody and handed over to the nearest Police stations under the Emergency Regulations.
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April - 29 
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 29 said it had arrested a 29-year-old resident of Palakkad in Kerala, allegedly planning a suicide attack in the state, reports The Hindu. In a statement, the NIA said it arrested Riyas A., who goes by the aliases RiyasAboobacker and Abu Dujana, as pa
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 29 said it had arrested a 29-year-old resident of Palakkad in Kerala, allegedly planning a suicide attack in the state, reports The Hindu. In a statement, the NIA said it arrested Riyas A., who goes by the aliases RiyasAboobacker and Abu Dujana, as part of its probe into the ‘ISIS Kasargod case’ filed in July 2016 after 15 young men from the district disappeared and later joined the Islamic State (IS), 14 in Afghanistan and one in Syria. It said he followed the videos and speeches of the mastermind of the Easter attacks in Sri Lanka, Zahran Hashim. “During interrogation, he disclosed that he had been in online contact with the absconding accused Abdul Rashid Abdulla, alias Abu Isa, for a long time and was following his audio clips, including the one he had circulated on social media platforms instigating terror attacks in India,” the NIA said. The terror accused said he was also in online contact with Abdul Khayoom, alias Abu Khalid, who is accused in the Valapattanam ISIS case and is believed to be in Syria, the NIA said. “He said he had been following speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim of Sri Lanka and Zakir Naik. He admitted that he wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Kerala,” the NIA statement read. “During interrogation, he disclosed that he has been in online contact with the absconding accused Abdul Rashid Abdulla, alias Abu Isa, for a long time and has been following his audio clips, including the one he had circulated on social media platform instigating terror attacks in India,” the NIA said. The terror accused said he was also in online contact with Abdul Khayoom, alias Abu Khalid, who is accused in the “Valapattanam ISIS case” and is believed to be in Syria, the NIA said. “He said he has been following speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim of Sri Lanka and Zakir Naik. He admitted that he wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Kerala,” the NIA statement read.
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April - 29 
Addressing a press conference, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris on April 29 said the Government was responsible for the breakdown of national security, reports Daily Mirror. Referring to an article published in the international media, he said the government had fail
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Addressing a press conference, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris on April 29 said the Government was responsible for the breakdown of national security, reports Daily Mirror. Referring to an article published in the international media, he said the government had failed to act on terror warnings. Therefore, the government could not absolve it, he said. “The government has appointed five defence secretaries during its term. It should be a little more careful in making appointments to top posts,” he said.
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April - 29 
Meanwhile, the President's Media Division on April 29 denied the claims published in several news websites that President Maithripala Sirisena had been informed of Easter Sunday bomb attacks in advance on three occasions, reports Colombo Page. President's Media Division, in a statement said, "In the
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Meanwhile, the President's Media Division on April 29 denied the claims published in several news websites that President Maithripala Sirisena had been informed of Easter Sunday bomb attacks in advance on three occasions, reports Colombo Page. President's Media Division, in a statement said, "In the aftermath of the terror attacks on Easter Sunday, some malicious reporting are circulating on the internet, claiming that the President was had been informed of the Easter Sunday attack prior to the outbreak of the attack. President’s Media Division denies claims published in some websites that the President had been made aware of the attack before it happened."
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April - 29 
Sri Lankan intelligence services believe the Easter Sunday suicide bombers had ‘very clear’ links to Islamic State (IS), President Maithripala Sirisena said on April 29, reports CNN. President Maithripala Sirisena said the terror group had provided training to the perpetrators of last week's attacks
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Sri Lankan intelligence services believe the Easter Sunday suicide bombers had ‘very clear’ links to Islamic State (IS), President Maithripala Sirisena said on April 29, reports CNN. President Maithripala Sirisena said the terror group had provided training to the perpetrators of last week's attacks, and that links between ISIS and extremists in Sri Lanka could be traced back 15 years.
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May - 1 
Speaking at the May Day celebrations held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo on May 1, President Maithripala Sirisena says he will fulfill the task of eliminating terrorism from the country, even if he has to put his life at risk for the betterment of the country and its citizens, repo
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Speaking at the May Day celebrations held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo on May 1, President Maithripala Sirisena says he will fulfill the task of eliminating terrorism from the country, even if he has to put his life at risk for the betterment of the country and its citizens, reports Colombo Page. The President said the great sorrow emerged in the hearts of all Sri Lankans due to the April 21 tragedy should turn into a strength to eliminate terrorism from the country. The President also emphasized that as a nation all must unite under a one flag with a firm determination and courage to establish peace in the country, while eliminating terrorism with the heartbreaking memories faced by all on that date.
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May - 2 
Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on May 2 said thatat least one police officer will be deployed to each school in the country to ensure the protection of the children when schools recommence on May 06, reports The Island."Security officers have taken the responsibility to protect stude
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Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on May 2 said thatat least one police officer will be deployed to each school in the country to ensure the protection of the children when schools recommence on May 06, reports The Island."Security officers have taken the responsibility to protect students and staff. At least one policeman will be deployed to protect each school. We have done everything possible to ensure the safety of schools and the principals have also been informed of safety precautions," Kariyawasam said.
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May - 2 
Sri Lanka's Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake admitting that the country suffered due to a gap in sharing of security information and intelligence urged the public to have confidence in the Armed Forces, reports Colombo Page on May 3. Sri Lanka Army suggested the country was target
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Sri Lanka's Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake admitting that the country suffered due to a gap in sharing of security information and intelligence urged the public to have confidence in the Armed Forces, reports Colombo Page on May 3. Sri Lanka Army suggested the country was targeted in the Easter Sunday bombings because it had neglected its security in the 10 years since the end of the civil war.Mahesh Senanayakefurther said, “They have gone to India, they've gone to Kashmir, Bangalore, they've travelled to Kerala state. Those are the information available with us”.
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May - 2 
The Civil Security Department,which serve as auxiliary to the Police, says the department plans to deploy 20,000 personnel to safeguard the country in the future, reports Colombo Page on May 3. The Department said the Civil Security Force personnel will be deployed for the security at public places,
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The Civil Security Department,which serve as auxiliary to the Police, says the department plans to deploy 20,000 personnel to safeguard the country in the future, reports Colombo Page on May 3. The Department said the Civil Security Force personnel will be deployed for the security at public places, including schools and religious places. The Civil Security Department has 35,000 trained personnel and about 4,000 of them are now deployed in the vicinity of the Colombo city.
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May - 6 
Chandana Wickramaratne, the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), on May 6 said that all suspected plotters and those directly linked to Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday bombings have either been arrested or are dead, reports Reuters. In an audio statement circulated by the defence ministry, Chandana W
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Chandana Wickramaratne, the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), on May 6 said that all suspected plotters and those directly linked to Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday bombings have either been arrested or are dead, reports Reuters. In an audio statement circulated by the defence ministry, Chandana Wickramaratne, the acting IGP, said security forces had also confiscated bomb-making material intended for future use by the militants involved in the attacks, which killed more than 250 people.
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May - 6 
Government on May 6 requested country's media institutions not to cover the search operations conducted by the security forces in houses and public places, as unwarranted media publicity has inconvenienced some communities, reports Colombo Page.
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Government on May 6 requested country's media institutions not to cover the search operations conducted by the security forces in houses and public places, as unwarranted media publicity has inconvenienced some communities, reports Colombo Page.
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May - 6 
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a Sri Lankan political front, Chairman Professor G. L. Peiris on May 6 called for a thorough inquiry into ‘a very serious lapse’ on the part of the law enforcement authorities that led to nine persons taken into custody in connection with the April 21 (Easter Sund
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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a Sri Lankan political front, Chairman Professor G. L. Peiris on May 6 called for a thorough inquiry into ‘a very serious lapse’ on the part of the law enforcement authorities that led to nine persons taken into custody in connection with the April 21 (Easter Sunday) bombings given bail, reports Island. Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage had granted bail to the acuused claimed the report. Prof. Peiris said that President Sirisena should inquire into the matter as nothing could be allowed to interfere in investigations.
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May - 7 
An Islamic State (IS) suspect with alleged links to RiyasAboobackeralias Abu Dujana,a member of IS’ Kasargod module in Kerala who was arrested last week and was deported from Doha on May 7 evening, an Intelligence Bureau official familiar with the development said, reports Hindustan Times on May 8.T
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An Islamic State (IS) suspect with alleged links to RiyasAboobackeralias Abu Dujana,a member of IS’ Kasargod module in Kerala who was arrested last week and was deported from Doha on May 7 evening, an Intelligence Bureau official familiar with the development said, reports Hindustan Times on May 8.The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took the custody of the man, identified as Faisal, as soon as he was brought to Delhi.The official said, Faisal, also a native of Kerala, had been in regular touch with Aboobacker, who was arrested last week. The latter was allegedly planning suicide attacks in Kerala after being inspired by the mastermind of Sri Lanka bombings, Maulvi Zahran Bin Hashim, leader of National TowheedJama’at (NTJ).Agencies suspect that IS members, including Aboobacker, Faisal, Abdulla (in Afghanistan) and others were planning something big in India as well.Members of Coimbatore module and Kasargod module of IS in Tamil Nadu and Kerala respectively, were either in touch with Sri Lanka attacks mastermind or followed his speeches.Zahran Hashim and another Sri Lanka bomber, Mohammad Azaan, had travelled to India in 2017 and 2018 to discuss the plans of Islamic State.The NIA has claimed Aboobacker followed speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim for more than a year and had also followed the speeches of Zakir Naik.“Riyas revealed that he was also having online chat with Abdul Khayoom alias Abu Khalid (suspect in the Valapattanam ISIS case) who was believed to be in Syria,” the NIA stated in a statement last week.
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May - 7 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on May 7 briefed the diplomatic community about the progress of the operations carried out by the security forces to curb terrorist activities and the steps taken by the government to restore normalcy in the country swiftly, reports Colombo Page. Maithripala
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on May 7 briefed the diplomatic community about the progress of the operations carried out by the security forces to curb terrorist activities and the steps taken by the government to restore normalcy in the country swiftly, reports Colombo Page. Maithripala Sirisena said that 95 percent of the terrorist suspects have been already arrested or accounted for and only two or three suspects are to be apprehended. Explaining the success of operations, he pointed out that Sri Lanka's intelligence experience gained during the 30-year-old conflict was useful to carry out anti-terrorism measures. Addressing all the Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in Sri Lanka, Resident representatives of United Nations and affiliated organizations and Head of other international agencies at the Presidential Secretariat, the President expressed appreciation to the international community for the cooperation and assistance provided to Sri Lanka at this time of need.
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May - 7 
Two of the Sri Lankan suicide bombers, Ilham Ahmed Mohammad Ebrahim and his older brother Inshaf Ahmed, who had led the fidayeen attacks in Shangri-La and Cinnamon Grand Hotel which claimed 253 lives and injured more than 500 people, had travelled to Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi with
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Two of the Sri Lankan suicide bombers, Ilham Ahmed Mohammad Ebrahim and his older brother Inshaf Ahmed, who had led the fidayeen attacks in Shangri-La and Cinnamon Grand Hotel which claimed 253 lives and injured more than 500 people, had travelled to Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi with valid passports on business in 2012, reports The New Indian Express on May 8. Indian investigating agencies have confirmed that two of them did, in fact, visit India in 2012 on business visas, but the duo did not receive any kind of training.Their father Mohammed Ibrahim, who was subsequently arrested, is a spice tycoon and his company Ishana Exports Pvt Ltd, based in Colombo, is listed in Trade India’s list of verified exporters offering quality spices and copper tubes, top sources in central intelligence agencies said.“Ishana has business interests in various cities from Kerala to Delhi. Seven years ago, Inshaf and Ilham had come on a business trip. They neither visited Kashmir nor did they participate in any training camp in India as has been alleged by the Sri Lankan army chief,” the source said.Highly placed sources have said that Sri Lanka has not yet shared any leads or information that link that attackers to India or their travel.Indian agencies have sought information from their counterparts in the island nation on the timeline and travel details of the terrorists to India along with their photographs. “Since the army chief has made a specific statement on the travel of some of the suicide bombers to India, they should be in possession of the information, which is critical for the security of the region. Sri Lanka has so far not provided any details. Hence, it (Senanayeke’s statement) remains in a realm of speculation,” said a highly placed source.
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May - 8 
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe said within two weeks after the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the country has returned to normalcy due to the swift, competent and wide-ranging decisions taken by the Government.However, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe cautioned, “But, as I have mentioned
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Sri Lanka's Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe said within two weeks after the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the country has returned to normalcy due to the swift, competent and wide-ranging decisions taken by the Government.However, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe cautioned, “But, as I have mentioned on numerous occasions, we all have to remember that the threat has not completely disappeared. Because we are today subject to global terrorism. Although everyone involved in attacks in Sri Lanka has been arrested, the terrorism can be inflicted in number of other ways."
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May - 8 
United States (U.S.) officials on May 8 announced the death of an official injured in the April 21 Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka in a Hospital in Singapore, reports Colombo Page. On May 4, 2019, Chelsea Decaminada, an International Program Specialist at U.S. Department of Commerce
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United States (U.S.) officials on May 8 announced the death of an official injured in the April 21 Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka in a Hospital in Singapore, reports Colombo Page. On May 4, 2019, Chelsea Decaminada, an International Program Specialist at U.S. Department of Commerce passed away as a result of injuries sustained during the attacks in Sri Lanka, where she was on assignment, U.S. Department of Commerce announced in a media release.
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May - 9 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 9 all steps should be taken to protect the Sri Lankan identity contained in every religion in the country and not allow it to be destroyed by the extremism, reports Colombo Page. PM expressed his views at a media conference held at Manikhinna Sri Vidyasagar
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 9 all steps should be taken to protect the Sri Lankan identity contained in every religion in the country and not allow it to be destroyed by the extremism, reports Colombo Page. PM expressed his views at a media conference held at Manikhinna Sri Vidyasagara Maha Pirivena in Kandy in Central Province after discussing the current situation in the country with the Chief Prelates of Malwathu, Asgiri and Ramagngna Nikayas.
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May - 10 
On May 10, Sri Lanka’s Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake stated that threat of more Islamist militant attacks had been contained and the security services had dismantled most of the network linked to the Easter Sunday bombings. He stated that ‘Up to now the investigations do not go
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On May 10, Sri Lanka’s Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake stated that threat of more Islamist militant attacks had been contained and the security services had dismantled most of the network linked to the Easter Sunday bombings. He stated that ‘Up to now the investigations do not go beyond many areas, so we don’t have to worry about the situation; it is controllable, it is contained. ’He also added that the investigators had established that the plotters had links to Islamic State, but said the authorities were still trying to establish how deep those contacts were. Sri Lankan authorities have said the bombings were believed to have been carried out by two little-known domestic Islamist groups, the National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim (JMI). Islamic State has claimed responsibility. The Commander stated that ‘Definitely there is an Islamic State (IS) link. That doesn’t mean it was a direct IS hit. But we are trying to establish how deep it is in order to plan our (military) operations’. Investigators from eight countries, including the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Interpol, are helping Sri Lanka with the investigation. According to him, India, China, United States, Israel, Australia and the United Arab Emirates were looking to provide high grade military technology, including communication and surveillance equipment, to deal with future threats. He further stated that Senanayake said the bombers had mostly used local explosives but may have also sourced some from southern India, likely Tamil Nadu.
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May - 13 
Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe appealed the public to remain calm and not to instigate civil unrest swayed by the false inflammatory information spread through social media, reports Colombo Page. PM Wickremesinghe said, "I appeal to all citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by false i
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Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe appealed the public to remain calm and not to instigate civil unrest swayed by the false inflammatory information spread through social media, reports Colombo Page. PM Wickremesinghe said, "I appeal to all citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by false information. Security forces are working tirelessly to apprehend terrorists and ensure the security of the country, but each time there is civil unrest, we increase their burden and hamper ongoing investigations ".
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May - 15 
Army on May 15 stated that it is investigating a video clip circulating in social media that showed a person dressed in a uniform similar to that of the military was watching while a group of violent saboteurs were in action in Thunmodara of Western province, reports Colombo Page.
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Army on May 15 stated that it is investigating a video clip circulating in social media that showed a person dressed in a uniform similar to that of the military was watching while a group of violent saboteurs were in action in Thunmodara of Western province, reports Colombo Page.
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May - 15 
Police Media Spokesperson stated that 85 suspects have been arrested in connection to the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks, reports Colombo Page on May 15. Out of the 85 suspects, 64 are detained in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The Police Media Spokesperson said 20
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Police Media Spokesperson stated that 85 suspects have been arrested in connection to the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks, reports Colombo Page on May 15. Out of the 85 suspects, 64 are detained in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The Police Media Spokesperson said 20 suspects are being held under detention by the Terrorists Investigation Division and investigated. He said 17 safe houses used by the terrorists for lodging and 7 training camps were also discovered.
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May - 15 
Police Media Spokesperson Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruwan Gunasekara stated that Western Province Intelligence Division have arrested a suspect, identified as Mohammed Rizwan on May 15 from an unspecified location in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. He is believed to have maintained close links
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Police Media Spokesperson Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruwan Gunasekara stated that Western Province Intelligence Division have arrested a suspect, identified as Mohammed Rizwan on May 15 from an unspecified location in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. He is believed to have maintained close links with the Easter Sunday suicide bombers. SP Ruwan Gunasekara further said that intelligence investigators have been deployed to gather information on those who are engaged in violent incidents and individuals who are leading such incidents and investigations are being conducted into the incidents that took place in the Northwestern Province and in the Minuwangoda area.
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May - 17 
India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu has assured India's full support to Sri Lanka in its battle against terrorism, reports Colombo Page.
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India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu has assured India's full support to Sri Lanka in its battle against terrorism, reports Colombo Page.
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May - 17 
The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Education of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Education and Human Resource Development MP Prof. Ashu Marasinghe on May 17 said that the committee will submit its report on the controversial Sharia University early next month, reports Colombo Page. The priv
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The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Education of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Education and Human Resource Development MP Prof. Ashu Marasinghe on May 17 said that the committee will submit its report on the controversial Sharia University early next month, reports Colombo Page. The private university, being built at a cost of LKR 1,500 million, came under the scanner following the April 21 suicide attacks by the extremist Islamic Group National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ).
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May - 18 
Addressing the 10th anniversary of National War Heroes' Day commemoration President Maithripala Sirisena said that the country is well capable of countering international terrorism with 30 years of experience in fighting and defeating local terrorism, reports Colombo Page on May 19.
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Addressing the 10th anniversary of National War Heroes' Day commemoration President Maithripala Sirisena said that the country is well capable of countering international terrorism with 30 years of experience in fighting and defeating local terrorism, reports Colombo Page on May 19.
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May - 20 
Maldives has denounced Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake’s remarks about Maldivians travelling to Syria through Colombo, reports Maldives Independent on May 20. The Sri Lankan Military General had stated that citizens from many countries travel through Sri Lanka to go fi
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Maldives has denounced Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake’s remarks about Maldivians travelling to Syria through Colombo, reports Maldives Independent on May 20. The Sri Lankan Military General had stated that citizens from many countries travel through Sri Lanka to go fight in the Syrian civil war, the second highest of which were Maldivians. Miuvan Mohamed, Director General of Communications at the Foreign Ministry said Senanayake’s comments were “irresponsible” and could possibly be harmful to Maldivians living in the neighbouring country. Over the past five years, dozens of Maldivians joined militant groups fighting in Syria and Iraq. The authorities estimate the current figure at 69, excluding women and children.
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May - 20 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 20 said that a decision has been made not to grant permission to the Sharia University, also known as the Batticaloa Campus and steps will be taken to bring all madrasa schools under the Ministry of Education, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister has re
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 20 said that a decision has been made not to grant permission to the Sharia University, also known as the Batticaloa Campus and steps will be taken to bring all madrasa schools under the Ministry of Education, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister has reached this decision in agreement with the recommendations made by the Muslim Ministers and Parliamentarian at a lengthy discussion held at Temple Trees in Colombo.
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May - 21 April - 21
Police Spokesperson Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruwan Gunasekera said that the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) samples obtained from Muhammad Zahran, the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday bombings (April 21, 2019), matched with his daughter’s, reports Island on May 21. Earlier there were rumours tha
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Police Spokesperson Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruwan Gunasekera said that the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) samples obtained from Muhammad Zahran, the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday bombings (April 21, 2019), matched with his daughter’s, reports Island on May 21. Earlier there were rumours that the body found at the Shangri La hotel Colombo wasn’t his. SP Gunasekera said that the Government analyst had on May 20 released the DNA reports on all suicide bombers who had carried out the bombings and their relatives.
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May - 22 
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on May 22 took up terror strikes at Pulwama and Sri Lanka and urged member nations of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for greater counter-terror cooperation, reports The Hindu. Addressing the ministerial meet of SCO at Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, the Ext
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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on May 22 took up terror strikes at Pulwama and Sri Lanka and urged member nations of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for greater counter-terror cooperation, reports The Hindu. Addressing the ministerial meet of SCO at Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, the External Affairs Minister said that India remains committed to regional connectivity and peace in Afghanistan. “Our heart goes out to our brothers and sisters of Sri Lanka, who have recently witnessed the ghastly act of terrorism. Our wounds of Pulwama attack were still raw and the news from the neighborhood has made us more determined to fight firmly [and] resolutely against this menace,” said Ms. Swaraj addressing a gathering which included her Pakistan counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Ms. Swaraj said that India is open to strengthen the Regional Anti-Terror Structure or RATS of SCO to fight terrorism and security challenges in the region. Taking up the situation in Afghanistan, the Minister said that India wants Afghanistan to be “united, peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant”. “I wish to once again underscore the importance India attaches to SCO Afghanistan Contact Group and welcome an early conclusion of the Draft Roadmap of further actions of the Contact Group,” said Ms. Swaraj in her speech.
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May - 22 
Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has issued the special gazette notification for extending the Emergency Regulations for another month from today, reports Colombo Page. “I am of the opinion that by the reason of a public emergency in Sri Lanka, it is expedient, so to do, in the interest of p
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Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has issued the special gazette notification for extending the Emergency Regulations for another month from today, reports Colombo Page. “I am of the opinion that by the reason of a public emergency in Sri Lanka, it is expedient, so to do, in the interest of public security, the preservation of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community," the President said in the gazette notification.
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May - 25 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe vowed to take security measures to prevent Islamic State (IS) from raising its head in Sri Lanka, reports The Hindu On May 26. The PM after meeting with a group of representatives of civil societies and trade union collective claimed that Security
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe vowed to take security measures to prevent Islamic State (IS) from raising its head in Sri Lanka, reports The Hindu On May 26. The PM after meeting with a group of representatives of civil societies and trade union collective claimed that Security Forces and Police have been able to apprehend everyone involved in the Easter Sunday attacks. He also added that ‘’But this doesn’t mean that this is the end of this type of terrorism. We now have to take certain measures of counter-terrorism to ensure that the country will not face terrorism again’’.
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May - 27 
President Maithripala Sirisena on May 27 described his country as “99%” secure and urged the international community to continue to provide economic assistance and lift the travel advisories issued to tourists, reports The Hindu. President Sirisena told select Colombo-based diplomats, and urged coun
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President Maithripala Sirisena on May 27 described his country as “99%” secure and urged the international community to continue to provide economic assistance and lift the travel advisories issued to tourists, reports The Hindu. President Sirisena told select Colombo-based diplomats, and urged countries to lift the travel ban imposed following the Easter attacks. “He [Mr. Sirisena] thanked the international community for the cooperation and assistance provided to Sri Lanka at this time of need and urged them to continue to provide economic assistance and lift the travel advisories issued to tourists,” according to a statement issued by his office.
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May - 28 
Head of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), a hardline Buddhist group, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero on May 28 said that he planned to denounce Islamist militants and blamed Wahhabism for the serial bombings in the Island Nation on Easter, reports Reuters. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero said that the follo
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Head of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), a hardline Buddhist group, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero on May 28 said that he planned to denounce Islamist militants and blamed Wahhabism for the serial bombings in the Island Nation on Easter, reports Reuters. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero said that the followers of Wahhabism were indirectly responsible for the April 21 bombings on churches and hotels. “I urge the government to arrest the main people responsible for the spreading of Wahhabism,” Gnanasara said. Gnanasara Thero was pardoned by President Maithripala Sirisena after serving nine months of a six-year sentence for contempt of court.
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May - 29 
Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sisira Mendis told the PSC that though he briefed the then Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando on the impending terrorist attack, reports Island.
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Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sisira Mendis told the PSC that though he briefed the then Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando on the impending terrorist attack, reports Island.
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June - 1 
President Maithripala Sirisena on June 1 said that he will not invite any foreign military to come into the country and he will not allow that at any occasion as long as he holds office, reports Colombo Page. The President made this remark participating in a program held in Polonnaruwa District in N
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President Maithripala Sirisena on June 1 said that he will not invite any foreign military to come into the country and he will not allow that at any occasion as long as he holds office, reports Colombo Page. The President made this remark participating in a program held in Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province.
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June - 2 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 2 said that the law will be strictly enforced without any leniency on the extremist groups spreading communal divisions as well as on the Islamic State (IS) terrorists, reports Colombo Page on June 2. PM Wickremesinghe stated this in a ceremony held at the
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 2 said that the law will be strictly enforced without any leniency on the extremist groups spreading communal divisions as well as on the Islamic State (IS) terrorists, reports Colombo Page on June 2. PM Wickremesinghe stated this in a ceremony held at the Jaffna Municipal Council Grounds to distribute Samurdhi benefits to beneficiaries in Jaffna District as part of the national program to distribute benefits to 600,000 families.
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June - 3 
Police Media Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara speaking at the security media briefing on June 3 said 2289 persons were arrested after the Easter Sunday suicide attacks on April 21, reports Colombo Page. The Spokesman said 2289 suspects were arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks during s
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Police Media Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara speaking at the security media briefing on June 3 said 2289 persons were arrested after the Easter Sunday suicide attacks on April 21, reports Colombo Page. The Spokesman said 2289 suspects were arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks during subsequent searches conducted across the island and regarding communal violence in Northwestern Province. Among the total arrested 423 persons have been remanded and another 211 are being detained at police stations and questioned while 1,655 persons have been released on bail.
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June - 3 
President Maithripala Sirisena addressing the National Iftar ceremony held on behalf of the Islamic devotees at the President's House on June 3 urged all communities in the country to work together with mutual understanding to resolve the communal issues and ensure peace, reports Colombo Page. "If c
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President Maithripala Sirisena addressing the National Iftar ceremony held on behalf of the Islamic devotees at the President's House on June 3 urged all communities in the country to work together with mutual understanding to resolve the communal issues and ensure peace, reports Colombo Page. "If conflicts arise due to different ethnicities, the country will be doomed and all should work together with mutual understanding and contribute in ensuring the peace of the country," the President said.
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June - 4 
Former Director of Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) Deputy Inspector General Nalaka de Silva on June 4 told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019) terrorist attacks that investigations into the leader of the Muslim extremist group Saharan Hashim got
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Former Director of Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) Deputy Inspector General Nalaka de Silva on June 4 told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019) terrorist attacks that investigations into the leader of the Muslim extremist group Saharan Hashim got halted due to his arrest, reports Colombo Page. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Nalaka de Silva in October 25, 2018 following the claims made by a self-proclaimed anti-corruption activist Namal Kumara that the former DIG discussed an alleged plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
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June - 4 
President’s Secretary Udaya R. Seneviratne on June 4, said that none of the Muslim Ministers had tendered their resignation letters, reports Island. Earlier on June 3, Cabinet Ministers Rauff Hakeem, Rishad Bathiudeen, Kabir Hashim and Abdul Haleem and State Ministers Faizal Cassim, Ameer Ali, H. M.
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President’s Secretary Udaya R. Seneviratne on June 4, said that none of the Muslim Ministers had tendered their resignation letters, reports Island. Earlier on June 3, Cabinet Ministers Rauff Hakeem, Rishad Bathiudeen, Kabir Hashim and Abdul Haleem and State Ministers Faizal Cassim, Ameer Ali, H. M.M. Haris and Ali Zaheer Moulana announced that they were resigning from their portfolios.Seneviratne said that if a sitting Minister was resigning from his portfolio, he had to tender his letter of resignation to the President. If the President accepted the letter of resignation, a gazette notification would be issued to that effect, Seneviratne said, adding that none of the Muslim Cabinet Ministers who announced their resignations had handed over the official vehicles and official residences.
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June - 6 
Suspended Inspector General of Police, Pujith Jayasundara on June 6 testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) said that he was told that his presence is no longer required at the National Security Council (NSC) meetings, reports Colombo Page. The suspended IGP said he was informed o
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Suspended Inspector General of Police, Pujith Jayasundara on June 6 testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) said that he was told that his presence is no longer required at the National Security Council (NSC) meetings, reports Colombo Page. The suspended IGP said he was informed of the President's directive by the then Secretary of Defense Kapila Waidyaratne. During questioning Jayasundera said the Defense Secretary normally informs of the NSC meetings and he has been participating the NSC meetings since his appointment on 20 April 2016 until October last year until he verbally received instructions from the Defense Secretary that he is not needed to attend NSC meetings. He further said the last meeting he attended was on 23 October 2018, three days before an unprecedented political crisis was set off by the President by sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointing former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister. PSC was appointed to investigate the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in various parts of the country on April 21 and report to Parliament.Island adds that during the hearing Jayasundera said that President Maithripala Sirisena following the Easter Sunday carnage had asked him to accept the responsibility for the disaster. "I was told that there would be a presidential committee to probe the incident, I would be found guilty and I would go home without my pension. I was asked to resign and offered an ambassadorial post. I did not accept the offer so the President sent me on compulsory leave."
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June - 7 
President Maithripala Sirisena on June 7 said that State Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis will not be granted a service extension, reports Sunday Times on June 8. Last year, Intelligence Chief Mendis was granted a service extension which was due to end this month. Aljazeera adds that Mendis lost hi
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President Maithripala Sirisena on June 7 said that State Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis will not be granted a service extension, reports Sunday Times on June 8. Last year, Intelligence Chief Mendis was granted a service extension which was due to end this month. Aljazeera adds that Mendis lost his job after he gave his testimony before the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC). Mendis on May29 had told the PSC that security council meetings were irregular, making it difficult to properly protect the island nation. Mendis further said that when he brought up the warnings during a meeting on April 9, director of the State Intelligence Service Nilantha Jayawardena, who has a direct link to the President, told him Sirisena had already been briefed.
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June - 9 
On the political front, Sri Lanka’s 11th Parliament met at its inaugural session on November 9 and passed a resolution extending the state of Emergency in the country by another month. Inaugurating the new House, President Kumaratunga said she was willing to negotiate with the LTTE, within the frame
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On the political front, Sri Lanka’s 11th Parliament met at its inaugural session on November 9 and passed a resolution extending the state of Emergency in the country by another month. Inaugurating the new House, President Kumaratunga said she was willing to negotiate with the LTTE, within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, but underlined that ‘war against terrorism would have to continue’. The President said, the LTTE should discuss clear and definite political issues. If, for the LTTE, discussions meant "lifting of embargoes and the supply of food and similar things which are advantageous to them, then there will be no purpose served, the President added."
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June - 11 
Former Eastern Province Governor Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah on June 8 said that the muslims are a minority only in this country, but a majority globally and nobody should think that they could subjugate us, reports Daily Mirror. Hizbullah said, "Muslims should live with their heads up. I wish to make it
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Former Eastern Province Governor Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah on June 8 said that the muslims are a minority only in this country, but a majority globally and nobody should think that they could subjugate us, reports Daily Mirror. Hizbullah said, "Muslims should live with their heads up. I wish to make it clear that only in this country that we are minorities, but in this whole world, we are in a majority. Till we find a solution to our problems, we should be united. At the time of the elections, we must reveal our stance." He further added, "I have given time to the President of two weeks and within that time all allegations against me should be proved. The Bhikkus uttered blatant lies in front of the Dalada Maligawa and deceived the people. We must reveal that side of the story to the people". Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah made this statement at the Kattankudy Periya Jumma Mosque.
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June - 11 
Former Governor of the Western Province Azath Salley on June 11 appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday terrorist attack said the authorities had been forewarned several times about the activities of the Muslim extremist organization National Thowheed Jamat
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Former Governor of the Western Province Azath Salley on June 11 appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday terrorist attack said the authorities had been forewarned several times about the activities of the Muslim extremist organization National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), reports Colombo Page. The PSC convened despite the President Maithripala Sirisena's objections to the proceedings of the committee.
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June - 11 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 11 said that the Malalgoda committee which was investigating the April 21 incidents has now handed over its report to the President and measures recommended in the report will be taken as soon as it is received, reports Colombo Page. The Wickremesinghe fur
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 11 said that the Malalgoda committee which was investigating the April 21 incidents has now handed over its report to the President and measures recommended in the report will be taken as soon as it is received, reports Colombo Page. The Wickremesinghe further said that they made two requests to the Parliamentary Select Committee. Wickremesinghe said, “The first is to examine the charges against Rishad Bathiudeen and make a quick decision since the JVP's no-confidence motion against government is to be debated in July, it was important to make a decision on the former minister," he explained. The second request is to remove the media when the intelligence officers were giving evidence before the PSC.Mr. Wickremesinghe said that he has given instructions to produce in court and release the Muslims, who were arrested by security forces during searches after April 21 but have no connection to the terrorist incidents.
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June - 12 
Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Toshiko Abe on June 12 said that Japan is ready to provide full support to Sri Lanka to face global terrorism, reports Colombo Page. During a special discussion held with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees in Colombo on counter terroris
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Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Toshiko Abe on June 12 said that Japan is ready to provide full support to Sri Lanka to face global terrorism, reports Colombo Page. During a special discussion held with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees in Colombo on counter terrorism measures and regional security cooperation, the Japanese Minister said that Sri Lanka and Japan directing attention on signing a defense agreement between the two countries would be an important step in preventing international terrorist activities from seeping into the country.Premier Wickremesinghe has expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance to Sri Lanka in counterterrorism in both equipment and training.
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June - 17 
Officer in Charge (OIC)of Kattankudi Police Station IP Nishantha Kasturiarachchion June 17 claimed before the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) they were not given any prior intelligence reports on the terror attacks by National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ) led by Zahran Hazhim’s group, reports Island. Th
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Officer in Charge (OIC)of Kattankudi Police Station IP Nishantha Kasturiarachchion June 17 claimed before the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) they were not given any prior intelligence reports on the terror attacks by National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ) led by Zahran Hazhim’s group, reports Island. The PSC is probing the Easter Sunday carnage.Testifying before the PSC, Kattankudy OIC IP Nishantha Kasturiarachchi said that he had not received any intelligence reports or warnings of the Easter Sunday attacks though such reports had been sent to other police divisions.
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June - 20 
Malcom Ranjith, the head of the Catholic church in Sri Lanka, on June 20 said that there is a “total lack of interest” in determining why intelligence reports on the Easter attacks, that killed more than 250 people, were ignored, reports Colombo Page. “There was a serious lack of responsibility on t
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Malcom Ranjith, the head of the Catholic church in Sri Lanka, on June 20 said that there is a “total lack of interest” in determining why intelligence reports on the Easter attacks, that killed more than 250 people, were ignored, reports Colombo Page. “There was a serious lack of responsibility on the part of the government,” Malcom Ranjith told reporters. “Now they have appointed all kinds of committees and commissions and there is bickering going on between the sides, you know, (about) who is responsible.”
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June - 21 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 21 said all living suspects responsible for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks have been apprehended by the security forces so far as two months have elapsed since the carnage, reports Daily Mirror. The Prime Minister further said “Better be careful if you hav
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 21 said all living suspects responsible for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks have been apprehended by the security forces so far as two months have elapsed since the carnage, reports Daily Mirror. The Prime Minister further said “Better be careful if you have had even a cup of tea with members of Zahran group as the security forces will question you. The security forces will ask me as to why I divulged all these but I will tell them that I revealed these to do justice to them. Many have questioned us as to what the government had done about the Easter Sunday attacks. Therefore, those who question should know what the security forces have done.”
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June - 26 
President Maithripala Sirisena on June 26 said that the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) was a drama scripted and rehearsed at Temple Trees and he would never go before it even if he was summoned, reports Daily Mirror.The PSC was appointed to probe the Easter Sunday bomb (April 21) attacks.
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President Maithripala Sirisena on June 26 said that the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) was a drama scripted and rehearsed at Temple Trees and he would never go before it even if he was summoned, reports Daily Mirror.The PSC was appointed to probe the Easter Sunday bomb (April 21) attacks.
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June - 26 
President Maithripala Sirisena said that whoever comes to power at the next Presidential poll should abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to create stability in the country, reports Daily Mirror on June 26. “The 19 amendment is a curse and whoever comes to power at the next Presidential po
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President Maithripala Sirisena said that whoever comes to power at the next Presidential poll should abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to create stability in the country, reports Daily Mirror on June 26. “The 19 amendment is a curse and whoever comes to power at the next Presidential poll should abolish it, if he loves the country, the President said.
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June - 28 
Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen on June 28 testified before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) looking into the Easter Sunday serial blasts said one of the suicide bombers who blew himself up in one of the attacks had been his party’s assistant Treasurer Alawdeen's son in law, reports Daily
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Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen on June 28 testified before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) looking into the Easter Sunday serial blasts said one of the suicide bombers who blew himself up in one of the attacks had been his party’s assistant Treasurer Alawdeen's son in law, reports Daily Mirror. Bathiudeen, however, said that he had not associated with this terror group member at any time. “I got to know from Alawdeen that his son in law had informed his daughter that he was going to Zambia. He had later messaged his wife and said he is in Dubai. Then he had sent a text again the following day and had informed that he was in Kenya. However we found out later that he was one of the bombers who carried out one of the attacks on April 21 2019. Nether the wife of the bomber nor his father in law had known about it,” Mr. Bathiudeen said.The former MP said that the ideology of Islamic State and National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) was against Islamism. He said he had already expressed his regrets to Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on the Easter Sunday attacks. “We are ready to work with all religious leaders and the armed forces to eradicate terrorism and extremism in Sri Lanka.”
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June - 28 
Police officials have informed the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on June 28 that there is no evidence linking All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Party Leader and former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen to the series of bomb attacks on Easter Sunday, reports Colombo Page.
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Police officials have informed the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on June 28 that there is no evidence linking All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Party Leader and former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen to the series of bomb attacks on Easter Sunday, reports Colombo Page.
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June - 30 
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has taken steps to restructure and streamline the entire system in order to strengthen the intelligence apparatus and national security, reports Colombo Page.According to the General (Retired) Shantha Kottegoda Defense Secretary, the MOD has identified seven factors, wh
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The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has taken steps to restructure and streamline the entire system in order to strengthen the intelligence apparatus and national security, reports Colombo Page.According to the General (Retired) Shantha Kottegoda Defense Secretary, the MOD has identified seven factors, which are key to good governance, public safety & security and interrelated to National Security, and has already taken necessary steps to link and set the right channels of communication with the respective Ministries that fall on to each of the key factors.
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July - 7 
The influential chief of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara on July 7 said that they must aim to take democratic control of parliament to protect the community, reports Reuters. Aththe Gnanasara called on Sri Lanka’s 10,000 Buddhist temples to help win votes for candidates from the
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The influential chief of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara on July 7 said that they must aim to take democratic control of parliament to protect the community, reports Reuters. Aththe Gnanasara called on Sri Lanka’s 10,000 Buddhist temples to help win votes for candidates from the Sinhala Buddhist majority. “We the clergies should aim to create a Sinhala Government. We will create a parliament that will be accountable for the country, a parliament that will protect Sinhalese,” said Gnanasara.
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July - 8 
Leader of the House and Public Enterprise Minister Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament on July 8 that President Maithripala Sirisena would have to come before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday terror attacks, reports The Island. He stated that “I have pointed out many
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Leader of the House and Public Enterprise Minister Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament on July 8 that President Maithripala Sirisena would have to come before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday terror attacks, reports The Island. He stated that “I have pointed out many times in this assembly that the PSC has powers to summon persons of any rank, be it the Prime Minister or the President of the country.”
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July - 9 
The Attorney General’s Department revealed that the Attorney General Dappula de Livera will file revision application before the Colombo High Court challenging the lower court's decision to grant bail to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri F
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The Attorney General’s Department revealed that the Attorney General Dappula de Livera will file revision application before the Colombo High Court challenging the lower court's decision to grant bail to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Colombo Page reports on 10 July. Both were granted bail on 9 July on the ground of insufficient evidence.
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July - 10 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe informed parliament on July 10 that 161 suspects were in police custody while another 167 suspects were in remand custody in connection with the Easter Sunday attack, reports Daily Mirror. 99 persons had also been arrested on suspicion over the attack waiting to b
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe informed parliament on July 10 that 161 suspects were in police custody while another 167 suspects were in remand custody in connection with the Easter Sunday attack, reports Daily Mirror. 99 persons had also been arrested on suspicion over the attack waiting to be produced in court on the advice of the Attorney General Dappula de Livera after completion of the investigations. Premier said 39 suspects were produced in court in relation to the incidents of Kuliyapitiya and Hettipola areas of North Western province where mobs attacked several mosques and torched dozens of Muslim-owned shops and homes.
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July - 10 
Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Kapila Jayasekara on July 10 said that the Police had not received any information that Zahran Hashim was involved in terrorist activities other than some clashes with different Islamic sects in Kattankudy, Eastern Province reports that Daily Mirror. He said th
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Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Kapila Jayasekara on July 10 said that the Police had not received any information that Zahran Hashim was involved in terrorist activities other than some clashes with different Islamic sects in Kattankudy, Eastern Province reports that Daily Mirror. He said this while testifying before the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks. Responding to a question raised by Committee Chairman Ananda Kumarasiri, the DIG revealed that he had not been informed by the IGP on a possible attack on April 21, whereas the IGP had informed several DIGs including the Western Province DIG and Traffic DIG. DIG considered this as a miscommunication rather than a failure of the intelligence services.
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July - 11 
Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy said that two designated State Banks may provide relief to the tune of LKR 100 billion to hotels and other institutions affected by the Easter Sunday blasts, in the form of a one-year moratorium, to help in reviving the tourism industry, subject to Ce
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Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy said that two designated State Banks may provide relief to the tune of LKR 100 billion to hotels and other institutions affected by the Easter Sunday blasts, in the form of a one-year moratorium, to help in reviving the tourism industry, subject to Central Bank regulations, reports Island. "At present there have been 3,641 requests to banks for a moratorium. The amount considered for the moratorium is LKR 101 billion and so far 945 requests have been approved and 2,696 are under process of approval, the Governor said at the CBSL's monthly monetary policy review press briefing held at Central Bank auditorium on July 11.
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July - 11 
Daily Mirror reports that State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, during an event in Colombo to commemorate war hero Hasalaka Gamini on 11 July, warned that there could still be individuals who have a leaning towards Islamic State (IS) ideology. He also assured that the authorities have elimina
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Daily Mirror reports that State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, during an event in Colombo to commemorate war hero Hasalaka Gamini on 11 July, warned that there could still be individuals who have a leaning towards Islamic State (IS) ideology. He also assured that the authorities have eliminated Zahran Hashim’s group in Sri Lanka and those who remain have been arrested.
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July - 14 
Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe defended Muslim leader Rishad Bathiudeen on July 14 and said "The CID reports have cleared Mr. Bathiudeen," reports Daily Mirror. “After the Easter Sunday attacks there was an allegation that Minister Bathiudeen tried to influence the Army Commander into rele
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Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe defended Muslim leader Rishad Bathiudeen on July 14 and said "The CID reports have cleared Mr. Bathiudeen," reports Daily Mirror. “After the Easter Sunday attacks there was an allegation that Minister Bathiudeen tried to influence the Army Commander into releasing the son of an acquaintance. However, the army chief later denied and said the minister did not attempt to influence him. The CID had sent a report on Mr. Bathiudeen to the Speaker,” PM Wickremesinghe said.
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July - 15 
The European Union (EU) and Sri Lanka held an informal counter-terrorism dialogue where the EU presented a support package for Sri Lanka focusing on law enforcement, rehabilitation and disengagement, counter-narratives and online radicalisation, reports Daily Mirror on July 15. The package worth EUR
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The European Union (EU) and Sri Lanka held an informal counter-terrorism dialogue where the EU presented a support package for Sri Lanka focusing on law enforcement, rehabilitation and disengagement, counter-narratives and online radicalisation, reports Daily Mirror on July 15. The package worth EUR 8.5 million will notably focus on law enforcement, rehabilitation and disengagement, counter-narratives, and online radicalisation. The EU Embassy, in a statement, said that the dialogue was chaired by EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove and Sri Lankan’s Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Ahmed A. Jawad on July 15.
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July - 16 
Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said that a nine-hour long statement was recorded from former defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando on July 15 in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, reports Daily Mirror on July 17. Delivering a lengthy order with regard to the maintainability of the case unde
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Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said that a nine-hour long statement was recorded from former defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando on July 15 in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, reports Daily Mirror on July 17. Delivering a lengthy order with regard to the maintainability of the case under Section 296 of the Penal Code, Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne held that there was insufficient evidence to frame murder charges against Mr. Fernando under Section 296 of the Penal Code.
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July - 16 
President Maithripala Sirisena on July 16 said everyone connected to the Easter Sunday attack was arrested and that they should be given death sentence as there was clear evidence against them, reports Daily Mirror.
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President Maithripala Sirisena on July 16 said everyone connected to the Easter Sunday attack was arrested and that they should be given death sentence as there was clear evidence against them, reports Daily Mirror.
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July - 19 
Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Education, Ashu Marasinghe, under the parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education and Human Resources Development, on July 19 called for a forensic audit on the Batticaloa Campus, reports Daily Mirror on July 20. He told a news conference that a forens
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Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Education, Ashu Marasinghe, under the parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education and Human Resources Development, on July 19 called for a forensic audit on the Batticaloa Campus, reports Daily Mirror on July 20. He told a news conference that a forensic audit was essential to obtain more details on the illegal transactions, which the campus had been involved in. The funding of the Batticaloa Campus came under review after the April 21, 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
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July - 21 
Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on July 21 said that he did not have faith in any of the probes carried out on the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, reports Daily Mirror. He said that it seems that the political leaders are getting one committee that probes Easter Sunday attacks to sub
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Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on July 21 said that he did not have faith in any of the probes carried out on the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, reports Daily Mirror. He said that it seems that the political leaders are getting one committee that probes Easter Sunday attacks to submit a report according to their whims and fancies. Cardinal Ranjith said that Easter Sunday mayhem was an international conspiracy and not merely the work of Islamic Extremists. “The youth who carried out the bomb attacks were used by the international conspirators. Global Muslims have become victims of international forces. However, global Muslims should stand up against the conspirators who use the Islamic ideologies to create mayhem all over the globe. They should join the people of other religions to fight against those forces who insult Islamism to fulfil their aspirations,” the Cardinal said
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July - 22 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena refuses allegations leveled against his administration by some sections three months after Easter Sunday attack, reports Colombo Page on July 23. President Sirisena further said as a Government his administration fulfilled its duties and responsibilities aft
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena refuses allegations leveled against his administration by some sections three months after Easter Sunday attack, reports Colombo Page on July 23. President Sirisena further said as a Government his administration fulfilled its duties and responsibilities after the attacks and the terrorist organization that carried out these attacks were wiped out from the country. President Sirisena said it is not fair to come to conclusions about the attacks on April 21st with vested political interests in mind.
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July - 24 
Head of Criminal Investigation Division, senior Deputy Inspector General, Ravi Seneviratne on July 24 while testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday attacks stated that the Easter attack has been the handwork of home-grown terrorists, reports Daily Mirror.
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Head of Criminal Investigation Division, senior Deputy Inspector General, Ravi Seneviratne on July 24 while testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday attacks stated that the Easter attack has been the handwork of home-grown terrorists, reports Daily Mirror. He further said that as per the investigation conducted on this case, no evidence was found to support Islamic State (IS)’s role in carrying out April 21 Easter serial bombings.
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July - 25 
Commanding Officer of the Police Special Task Force (STF), Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) R. Latif on July 25 said that if he had the information on the suicide attack on April 21 been notified at least on the previous day, action would have been taken to prevent it, reports Daily Mirror. T
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Commanding Officer of the Police Special Task Force (STF), Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) R. Latif on July 25 said that if he had the information on the suicide attack on April 21 been notified at least on the previous day, action would have been taken to prevent it, reports Daily Mirror. The senior DIG made this statement testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) investigating the Easter Sunday attack. He further revealed before the PSC that as the Commanding Officer of the Police Special Task Force, he had not been called to any meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) prior to Easter Sunday attack.
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July - 30 
Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake on July 30 stated in front of Parliamentary Select Committee that there were some Islamic terrorists still operating at various places in the country and the threats they posed were far from over, reports The Island. Parliamentary Select Committee
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Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake on July 30 stated in front of Parliamentary Select Committee that there were some Islamic terrorists still operating at various places in the country and the threats they posed were far from over, reports The Island. Parliamentary Select Committee is probing the Easter Sunday Bombing. When asked if the Islamist threat was over, he stated that ‘’We cannot assure that it is over. We are not in a position to say that we can see this problem will be over within six months or six years.’’
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July - 31 
Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), probing the Easter Sunday carnage, said that the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) was empowered to arrest suspected terrorists without Department of Attorney General’ (DAG)s advice, report
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Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), probing the Easter Sunday carnage, said that the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) was empowered to arrest suspected terrorists without Department of Attorney General’ (DAG)s advice, reports Island. DSG Peiris on July 31 found fault with the TID for waiting for instructions from the DAG without arresting terrorists connected to the National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ).
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August - 4 
Governor of the Southern Province Keerthi Tennakoon submitted his letter of resignation to President Maithripala Sirisena August 4 morning, reports Island. Tennakoon said that he had decided to resign from the post to enable President Sirisena to appoint a person of his choice to the vacant post. Ea
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Governor of the Southern Province Keerthi Tennakoon submitted his letter of resignation to President Maithripala Sirisena August 4 morning, reports Island. Tennakoon said that he had decided to resign from the post to enable President Sirisena to appoint a person of his choice to the vacant post. Earlier, Central Province Governor Maithri Gunaratne resigned on August 3. On August 1, Uva Province Governor Marshal Perera had resigned.
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August - 11 
Sri Lanka’s former Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapakshe started off his Presidential campaign this week, states Tamil Guardian on August 12. Gotabaya who is accused in multiple war crimes especially in killing of thousands of tamils in Mullivaikkal is currently trying to renounce his U.S citizensh
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Sri Lanka’s former Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapakshe started off his Presidential campaign this week, states Tamil Guardian on August 12. Gotabaya who is accused in multiple war crimes especially in killing of thousands of tamils in Mullivaikkal is currently trying to renounce his U.S citizenship and the two lawsuits in U.S by the survivors of horrific abuses during war against Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that have been deferring his election eligibility. Announcing his Presidential bid this week, Gotabaya said that ensuring national security is his top priority. Meanwhile, former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.K. Sivajilingamon August 11 stated that TNA would not intervene in the contest to select the leaders of the south, reports Hiru News. He was responding on the nomination of former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Perammuna (SLPP).
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August - 12 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan while meeting the European Union (EU) delegation in Colombo on August 12 has alleged stated that the upcoming Sri Lanka presidential election is a sham, reports Daily Mirror. Elaborating it, Sampanthan stated that the people of Sri Lanka since long
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan while meeting the European Union (EU) delegation in Colombo on August 12 has alleged stated that the upcoming Sri Lanka presidential election is a sham, reports Daily Mirror. Elaborating it, Sampanthan stated that the people of Sri Lanka since long time have voted for the abrogation of executive presidency and gave call for the induction of new Constitution. Talking to the EU delegation which comprised of the government Riccardo Chelleri, (Policy Officer Democracy and Electoral Observation) and Anne Vaugier Chatterjee (Deputy Head, Political, Trade, and Communications Section), Sampanthan rejected the presidential election as the need of hour as the will of the people.
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August - 13 
The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Easter Sunday attacks has decided to request to the Speaker for an extension of one month of its tenure, reports Daily News on August 14. According to PSC Chairperson Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri, the committee requires more time to conclude its work a
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The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Easter Sunday attacks has decided to request to the Speaker for an extension of one month of its tenure, reports Daily News on August 14. According to PSC Chairperson Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri, the committee requires more time to conclude its work and prepare report which is not possible in the stipulated deadline of August 23. He further said that the committee will make an appeal to the Speaker to increase its tenure to another month.
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August - 15 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe participating at the inauguration of the first phase of the Myliddy Fisheries Harbor in Jaffna city of Jafna District in Northern Province on August 15 said the Government's objective is to rebuild and develop the war-torn North and elevate Jaffna to a major city
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe participating at the inauguration of the first phase of the Myliddy Fisheries Harbor in Jaffna city of Jafna District in Northern Province on August 15 said the Government's objective is to rebuild and develop the war-torn North and elevate Jaffna to a major city of Sri Lanka as in the past, reports Colombo Page. He stressed that to achieve this objective a major economic boom will be launched with Jaffna at the center in the next five years.
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August - 17 
Minister Rishad Bathiudeen addressing a function in Jaffna District said the Government has allocated increasingly bigger volumes of funds for the development of the Northern Province in the last three years, reports Colombo Page on August 18. "This government has allocated massive funds for the dev
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Minister Rishad Bathiudeen addressing a function in Jaffna District said the Government has allocated increasingly bigger volumes of funds for the development of the Northern Province in the last three years, reports Colombo Page on August 18. "This government has allocated massive funds for the development of Northern Province and more projects are to be launched," Minister Bathiudeen said.
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August - 19 
The U.S. on August 19 expressed concern over the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as new Army Commander by the President following the retirement of Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, reports Colombo Page. The U.S. Embassy issuing a statement said "The allegations of gross human
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The U.S. on August 19 expressed concern over the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as new Army Commander by the President following the retirement of Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, reports Colombo Page. The U.S. Embassy issuing a statement said "The allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible. This appointment undermines Sri Lanka's international reputation and its commitments to promote justice and accountability, especially at a time when the need for reconciliation and social unity is paramount."
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August - 19 
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on August 19 expressed serious concerns about the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, who has been alleged of war crimes and crimes against humanity, as the country's new army commander, reports Colombo Page. "I am deeply trouble
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on August 19 expressed serious concerns about the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, who has been alleged of war crimes and crimes against humanity, as the country's new army commander, reports Colombo Page. "I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war," Bachelet said.
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August - 20 
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on August 20 said the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as Sri Lanka Army commander negates all the Government's pledges toward accountability, reconciliation, and reform, reports Colombo Page. The HRW said Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena has appoi
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) on August 20 said the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as Sri Lanka Army commander negates all the Government's pledges toward accountability, reconciliation, and reform, reports Colombo Page. The HRW said Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed a General whose forces have been credibly accused of war crimes as the commander of the national army confirming the fears of those like Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who, back in March, supported the United Nations Human Rights Council's extension of its 2015 resolution on Sri Lanka. The extension, which Sirisena and other top officials openly opposed, seeks justice and accountability for violations committed during the 26-year civil war that ended in 2009. "The sad reality is, then, that there are those who oppose any measure to achieve accountability and reconciliation, because they don't want justice," HRW quoted Mangala Samaraweera. "They want victor's justice." The appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as army commander suggests he was right, HRW said.
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August - 20 
Responding to the international concern mounted over the appointment of the new Army Commander, Sri Lanka on August 20 said the appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State, reports Colombo Page. Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement said "Foreign ent
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Responding to the international concern mounted over the appointment of the new Army Commander, Sri Lanka on August 20 said the appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State, reports Colombo Page. Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement said "Foreign entities trying to influence the decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka are unwarranted and unacceptable. Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international organizations, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice espoused by all responsible members of the international community."
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August - 23 
Sri Lanka on August 23, ended a four-month state of emergency declared after Easter Sunday suicide bombings by National Thowheed Jammath (NTJ), reports Colombo Page. President Maithripala Sirisena declared the state of emergency on April 22, after multiple terror attacks in the country on Easter Sun
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Sri Lanka on August 23, ended a four-month state of emergency declared after Easter Sunday suicide bombings by National Thowheed Jammath (NTJ), reports Colombo Page. President Maithripala Sirisena declared the state of emergency on April 22, after multiple terror attacks in the country on Easter Sunday. Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister both have said earlier that 99 percent of the Islamic militants linked to the suicide bombing are either arrested or were killed in the attacks. However, the Army will continue to assist Police for internal security, military spokesman, Sumith Atapattu said.
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August - 25 
United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Ahmed Shaheed warned against the simmering ethnic and religious tensions in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page on August 26. In a press conference in Colombo in Sri Lanka’s Western Province on August 25, Shaheed presented his repor
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United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Ahmed Shaheed warned against the simmering ethnic and religious tensions in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page on August 26. In a press conference in Colombo in Sri Lanka’s Western Province on August 25, Shaheed presented his report of his 12- day-long study of Human Rights violations in Sri Lanka. Shaheed stated simmering ethno-religious tensions in Sri Lanka requires urgent government action to maintain peace in Sri Lanka. According to Daily News, UN Special Rapporteur also said the deeply rooted identity politics in Sri Lanka “undermine all the peace-building, coexistence and religious tolerance or harmony projects”.Referring to the findings of the Parliament Select Committee on Communal and Religious Harmony headed by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Shaheed observed that a considerable amount of the blame for ethno-religious tensions goes “..to politicians of all political parties, creating and instrumentalizing communal disharmony in an attempt to strengthen their power bases”.
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August - 27 
Secretary-General of INTERPOL Jürgen Stock while meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees in Colombo on August 27 said the support given to him by the Prime Minister, who has well understood the need to work together to launch a common program to combat global terrorism and e
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Secretary-General of INTERPOL Jürgen Stock while meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees in Colombo on August 27 said the support given to him by the Prime Minister, who has well understood the need to work together to launch a common program to combat global terrorism and ensure global security, helped to improve the global security program, reports Colombo Page. Highlighting the strong cooperation between INTERPOL and Sri Lanka following the April 21 bomb attacks Secretary General pointed out that the political support and guidance given by Mr. Wickremesinghe following the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka and the commitment of the Sri Lankan Police and the security forces made it possible to arrest all the suspects in a short period of time.
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August - 30 
United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer issuing statement to mark the International Day of Enforced Disappearances on August 30 said the UN stands ready to support the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its mandate to provide relief to the victims of enforced disappearan
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United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer issuing statement to mark the International Day of Enforced Disappearances on August 30 said the UN stands ready to support the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its mandate to provide relief to the victims of enforced disappearances and to ensure no such crimes will occur in the future, reports Colombo Page. Hanaa Singer said the Enforced Disappearances are heinous crimes and Sri Lanka has a long history of disappearances as evidenced by the numerous national commissions of inquiry which have looked into such allegations over many decades, as well as by UN reports. Singer said the UN was encouraged by Sri Lanka's ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2016 and particularly by the establishment of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) in 2017.
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August - 30 
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha while delivering the Valedictory Address on the theme 'Lessons Learnt in Dealing with the Challenges Faced by Sri Lanka in the Aftermath of 21/4', at the conclusion of the 9th Colombo Defense Seminar - 2019, held at the BMICH in Colombo on August 30 said post Ap
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Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha while delivering the Valedictory Address on the theme 'Lessons Learnt in Dealing with the Challenges Faced by Sri Lanka in the Aftermath of 21/4', at the conclusion of the 9th Colombo Defense Seminar - 2019, held at the BMICH in Colombo on August 30 said post April 21 has been a 'litmus test' on Sri Lanka's resolve to adhere to human rights standards while fighting terrorism, reports Colombo Page. The Foreign Secretary noted that the robust security response in the aftermath of 21/4 asserted the capacity of the Sri Lanka security forces, and it is to Sri Lanka's credit that as of August, it was possible to lift the emergency, having served its immediate purpose.
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September - 3 
A Parliamentary delegation from India thwarted Pakistan's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), South Asian Parliamentarian Conference on Children Rights in Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 3, reports The Times of India. India asserted that it was India's in
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A Parliamentary delegation from India thwarted Pakistan's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), South Asian Parliamentarian Conference on Children Rights in Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 3, reports The Times of India. India asserted that it was India's internal matter, slamming Pakistan’s record on rights issues of minorities. "We firmly reminded them that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and India is the largest democracy in the world and as stakeholders in the Indian democracy, an Indian voice will be heard, not that of a vested interest, not that of a foreign country, and not certainly that of Pakistan," Indian Member of Parliament (MP), Gaurav Gogoi, who is part of the delegation stated.
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September - 3 
On September 3, Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) informed the Supreme Court that director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) had forwarded no less than 97 intelligence reports to IGP Pujith Jayasundara from 2016 onwards regarding the National Thowheed Jamath Organization (NTJ) and its leader
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On September 3, Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) informed the Supreme Court that director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) had forwarded no less than 97 intelligence reports to IGP Pujith Jayasundara from 2016 onwards regarding the National Thowheed Jamath Organization (NTJ) and its leader Saharan Hashim, reports Daily News. Appearing for the BASL, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena further stated that SIS director also had forwarded 17 intelligence reports to then Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando in 2018 and 2019 over imminent terrorist attacks. All these information was disclosed when the seven-judge Supreme Court bench on September 04will be hearing the 12 fundamental rights petitions filed against former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and IGP Pujith Jayasundera over their failure to prevent the terrorist attacks on churches and star class hotels in Colombo and Batticaloa areas, despite receiving intelligence reports prior to the attacks.
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September - 3 
Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) Chairman Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri has stated that Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has agreed to appear before the committee on Easter attack probe, reports Daily News on September 4. Kumarasiri further stated that committee has already sent a let
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Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) Chairman Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri has stated that Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has agreed to appear before the committee on Easter attack probe, reports Daily News on September 4. Kumarasiri further stated that committee has already sent a letter to the President for the date.
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September - 5 
In a press conference on September 5, Police Media spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara has stated that approximately 300 people were arrested in connection with April 21 Easter Sunday attack, reports Colombo Page. Among the 293 people arrested, as reported in Daily Mirror,115 suspects were remanded while
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In a press conference on September 5, Police Media spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara has stated that approximately 300 people were arrested in connection with April 21 Easter Sunday attack, reports Colombo Page. Among the 293 people arrested, as reported in Daily Mirror,115 suspects were remanded while 178 others are still in detention. Gunasekara further said that the statements of the surviving 81 victims injured in National ThowheedJammath (NTJ) executed bombings in St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade have also been recorded. Gunasekara also stated that assets such as lands, buildings, vehicles and other movable properties worth more than INR six billion were recovered from the suspects. As reported in Daily Mirror, a sum of more than Rs.134 million in hundred bank accounts of 41 suspects had along with INR 20 million worth of money has been recovered by the CID.
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September - 6 
Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peris on September 6 told the Colombo High Court that charges will be filed against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and IGP Pujitha Jayasundera for committing murder and conspiring to commit murder in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, reports Dail
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Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peris on September 6 told the Colombo High Court that charges will be filed against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and IGP Pujitha Jayasundera for committing murder and conspiring to commit murder in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, reports Daily News. The Deputy Solicitor General told court that IGP Jayasundera, who has been sent on compulsory leave, and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, had failed to take action despite repeated warnings by State intelligence agencies of an imminent attack by the National Thowheed Jammath (NTJ). He submitted that the State intelligence agencies had apprised the IGP 131 times and former defence Secretary 97 times of a possible attack by the NTJ.
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September - 6 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on September 6 said a new commission will be established to probe Easter Sunday attack, reports Daily News. This will be done Cardinal Ranjith has made a request from us to establish a fresh Commission of Inquiry with regard to the Easter Sunday Attack. Wickremesi
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on September 6 said a new commission will be established to probe Easter Sunday attack, reports Daily News. This will be done Cardinal Ranjith has made a request from us to establish a fresh Commission of Inquiry with regard to the Easter Sunday Attack. Wickremesinghe observed “Such a commission should be established afresh. We agree with the Cardinal’s request. In instituting a new commission, reports of the ongoing Presidential Commission and Parliamentary Select Committee will be taken into consideration. People of the country are keen to know all facts and details about the brutal attack. Therefore, all findings of the existing committees will be collected together with other information that can be gathered from other sources in forming a new commission. I absolutely endorsed the Cardinal’s proposal.”
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September - 7 
On September 20, the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) will record the statement of President Maithripala Sirisena for Easter Sunday attack probe, reports Colombo Page on September 8. In a statement given to Daily News, Chairman of PSC Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri stated that the committee wi
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On September 20, the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) will record the statement of President Maithripala Sirisena for Easter Sunday attack probe, reports Colombo Page on September 8. In a statement given to Daily News, Chairman of PSC Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri stated that the committee will visit Presidential Secretariat on September 20 to record the evidence. Kumarasiri also said that the committee will present formal request to the next Parliament sitting for extension to submit the final report due to delay in President’s testimony. PSC was granted extension time till September 30 to present its report to the Parliament.
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September - 9 
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) core group on Sri Lanka has noted that Sri Lanka's pace of progress in fulfilling the UNHRC commitments has remained slow in many areas, with bureaucratic constraints hampering delivery, reports Colombo Page on September 10. In a statement to the 42nd
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The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) core group on Sri Lanka has noted that Sri Lanka's pace of progress in fulfilling the UNHRC commitments has remained slow in many areas, with bureaucratic constraints hampering delivery, reports Colombo Page on September 10. In a statement to the 42nd session of the UNHRC on behalf of the core group, the United Kingdom noted that reflecting the good intentions of the Government there have been many important developments since 2015 and some key domestic institutions have been established. The core group, however expressing concern over the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva to head the Sri Lanka Army, said that appointment of General Silva as Army Commander severely compromises Sri Lanka's commitment to promote justice and accountability and undermines reconciliation efforts.
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September - 11 
President Maithripala Sirisena on September 11 instructed to expedite the amendments of existing laws and introduce new legislation to prevent terrorism, reports Colombo Page. The President gave these instructions at a progress review meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security
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President Maithripala Sirisena on September 11 instructed to expedite the amendments of existing laws and introduce new legislation to prevent terrorism, reports Colombo Page. The President gave these instructions at a progress review meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security held at the Parliamentary Complex. Expressing his views, President Sirisena emphasized that the decisions taken on national security should not be delayed at all and it is very important to take the necessary decisions immediately.
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September - 11 
Sri Lanka highlighting the salient points of the progress made in protection of human rights of the people on September 11 requested the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to accord due recognition to the achievements made by the country amidst numerous challenges, reports Colombo Page. In
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Sri Lanka highlighting the salient points of the progress made in protection of human rights of the people on September 11 requested the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to accord due recognition to the achievements made by the country amidst numerous challenges, reports Colombo Page. In a statement delivered to the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva Dayani Mendis highlighted the measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka within a short time span of only four years towards reconciliation, development and protection and promotion of human rights.
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September - 16 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on September 16 said it would fully back any move to abolish the executive presidency even at this stage ahead of the election, reports Daily Mirror. TNA MP for Jaffna District, M.A. Sumanthiran told that this had been the policy of his party right throughout. “We will
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on September 16 said it would fully back any move to abolish the executive presidency even at this stage ahead of the election, reports Daily Mirror. TNA MP for Jaffna District, M.A. Sumanthiran told that this had been the policy of his party right throughout. “We will support any move to abolish the executive presidency. Numerous pledges have been given in the past to scrap it,” he said.
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September - 18 
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on September 18 informed Colombo Fort Court that it was probing several plans devised by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) based on information received from Interpol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on communication techniques of the ter
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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on September 18 informed Colombo Fort Court that it was probing several plans devised by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) based on information received from Interpol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on communication techniques of the terrorist outfit, reports Daily Mirror. It further informed that investigations into several plans masterminded by ISIS were ongoing and that information was being obtained from Interpol and FBI on social media platforms, WhatsApp, Viber and Instagram used by the ISIS.
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September - 20 
On September 20, Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the cabinet meeting was called by the President Maithripala Sirisena himself to discuss the abolition of Executive Presidency, reports Daily Mirror. Clarifying his stance in the meeting, PM said that the other parties were not in
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On September 20, Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the cabinet meeting was called by the President Maithripala Sirisena himself to discuss the abolition of Executive Presidency, reports Daily Mirror. Clarifying his stance in the meeting, PM said that the other parties were not in agreement for the abolishment of Executive Presidency even though civil society activists have been rooting for it.
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September - 20 
The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing Easter Sunday attacks met with President Maithripala Sirisena on September 20 at the President's Office to record his statement, reports Colombo Page. Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee, Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri said all members of
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The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing Easter Sunday attacks met with President Maithripala Sirisena on September 20 at the President's Office to record his statement, reports Colombo Page. Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee, Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri said all members of the PSC were present at the event and recording of evidence commenced at 10:00 am. The meeting with the President was not open to the media and the committee said the President's statement also will not be released to media. Committee member MP Nalinda Jayatissa has said that the final report of the PSC will be submitted to the Parliament at the end of October.
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September - 25 
On September 25 in a National Convention of a collective of family members of war heroes at Colombo (Colombo District) of Western Province, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the three-decade-long fierce war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and bringing relief for the
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On September 25 in a National Convention of a collective of family members of war heroes at Colombo (Colombo District) of Western Province, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the three-decade-long fierce war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and bringing relief for the soldiers and their families, reports Daily Mirror. Rajapaksa further stated that these war heroes, who are being ignored by the present government, will only get relief once his party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa wins the Presidential election.
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October - 7 
An election monitoring group in Sri Lanka, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) says it will deploy 7500 observers to monitor the upcoming Presidential Election, reports Colombo Page on October 8. CaFFE says the large number of observers will be deployed to monitor the anticipated situations
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An election monitoring group in Sri Lanka, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) says it will deploy 7500 observers to monitor the upcoming Presidential Election, reports Colombo Page on October 8. CaFFE says the large number of observers will be deployed to monitor the anticipated situations as a record number of candidates are contesting the Presidential Election. CaFFE's Acting Executive Director Ahmed Manas said there have been reports of violence and violations of election laws at every election after the nominations were handed over. He said that therefore, the candidates and the party leaders should take action to properly direct their supporters in this election.
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October - 9 
The European Union (EU) on October 9 provided EUR 40 million to Sri Lanka to co-finance the Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation and Inclusive Democratic Engagement (STRIDE) project, security and development, reports Colombo Page. Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary to the Treasury at the Mini
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The European Union (EU) on October 9 provided EUR 40 million to Sri Lanka to co-finance the Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation and Inclusive Democratic Engagement (STRIDE) project, security and development, reports Colombo Page. Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Tung-Lai Margue, Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, signed the financing agreement. "Good governance and the participation of communities are important to ensure that a country's growth reaches everyone. Local government structures must be responsive to people's needs. These are key elements in ensuring effective governance on the ground which help address causes of conflict. With STRIDE, the EU contributes to long-term peace, security, and development in Sri Lanka," the EU Ambassador said.
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October - 12 
H.M.P.B. Herath, Secretary of the five-member commission appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena on Easter Sunday attack probe said that the commission will accept complains and petitions on the attacks till October 14, reported by Colombo Page on October 13.
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H.M.P.B. Herath, Secretary of the five-member commission appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena on Easter Sunday attack probe said that the commission will accept complains and petitions on the attacks till October 14, reported by Colombo Page on October 13.
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October - 16 
On October 16, Chairman of the Elections Commission (EC) Mahinda Deshapriya in a press conference stated that the reference of war or war crimes cannot used by any party or group during the Presidential Election campaign, reports Colombo Page. He said that the parties have already been warned regard
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On October 16, Chairman of the Elections Commission (EC) Mahinda Deshapriya in a press conference stated that the reference of war or war crimes cannot used by any party or group during the Presidential Election campaign, reports Colombo Page. He said that the parties have already been warned regarding its usage prior. Referring to an advertisement published in a newspaper by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa using a statement from the current Army commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Deshapriya condemned the use of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva's image and endorsement in the advertisement. He warned further action would be taken against the army commander for violating election law if the latter did not clarify his stance on the issue.
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October - 17 
Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), an election watchdog in Sri Lanka has requested the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Security Forces to investigate the emerging false rumour mongering groups related to national security, reports Colombo Page on October 18. CaFFE stated that
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Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), an election watchdog in Sri Lanka has requested the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Security Forces to investigate the emerging false rumour mongering groups related to national security, reports Colombo Page on October 18. CaFFE stated that on October 16 rumours regarding bomb blasts emerged at three separate places causing a threat to national security. According to Police spokesman, SP Ruwan Gunasekara till date 5000 rumours disrupting national security has been in circulation.
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October - 17 
The deputy chairman of the Walallawita Pradeshiya Sabha, a member of the Panduwasnuwara Pradeshiya Sabha and a former chairman of the Pelmadulla Pradeshiya Sabha were the three Pradeshiya Sabha members (PS) who along with eight suspects were arrested in connection with election related complaints an
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The deputy chairman of the Walallawita Pradeshiya Sabha, a member of the Panduwasnuwara Pradeshiya Sabha and a former chairman of the Pelmadulla Pradeshiya Sabha were the three Pradeshiya Sabha members (PS) who along with eight suspects were arrested in connection with election related complaints and election related violations since the Presidential Election was announced, reports Colombo Page on October 18. Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara stated 10 election violence complaints have been lodged with police and 14 election violations have so far been reported from various parts of the country.
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October - 19 
Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), one of the notable election monitors observing Presidential Election in Sri Lanka has observed an increasing trend in hate speeches during the election campaigns, reports Colombo Page on October 20. Speaking to the local media, CaFFE Director Surangi Ari
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Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), one of the notable election monitors observing Presidential Election in Sri Lanka has observed an increasing trend in hate speeches during the election campaigns, reports Colombo Page on October 20. Speaking to the local media, CaFFE Director Surangi Ariyawansa has stated that false and hateful statements are increasingly being made about presidential candidates, especially at election rallies and on social media. She further stated that the growing hate and racist statements about rival candidates on election platforms can lead to violence, if not contained.
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October - 21 
The Presidential Secretariat said that the security forces have emphasized that there is no immediate or imminent threat of terrorism in the country, reports Colombo Page on October 22. The President's Secretary says that he has received reports that some parties are sending letters misinterpreting
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The Presidential Secretariat said that the security forces have emphasized that there is no immediate or imminent threat of terrorism in the country, reports Colombo Page on October 22. The President's Secretary says that he has received reports that some parties are sending letters misinterpreting and misusing the facts in the circular to unnecessarily frighten some state institutions and the public. The security forces have taken all possible measures to ensure the safety of the state institutions, institutions of national importance and the public. Therefore, the Presidential Secretary has advised the public not to be deceived by false claims that there is an immediate and imminent threat of terrorism.
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October - 22 
The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission which is currently in Colombo has highlighted the absence of ‘a regulatory framework on campaign financing’ which was recommended in its report presented after the 2015 Presidential Election, reports Daily Mirror on October 23. In a brief intervie
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The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission which is currently in Colombo has highlighted the absence of ‘a regulatory framework on campaign financing’ which was recommended in its report presented after the 2015 Presidential Election, reports Daily Mirror on October 23. In a brief interview with the Daily Mirror, Deputy Chief Observer DimitraIoannou said one of the issues in the 2015 report was on a regulatory framework on campaign financing, but it not evident at this election as well. She said the observation team in Colombo and outside would follow up campaign expenditure and how the parties and candidates organised their campaign events.
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October - 23 
On October 23, the final report of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Easter Sunday Attack was presented in the Parliament, reports Colombo Page. The 272-page report submitted in three languages – Sinhala, Tamil and English has been made online for public display. Through the report, PSC ha
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On October 23, the final report of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Easter Sunday Attack was presented in the Parliament, reports Colombo Page. The 272-page report submitted in three languages – Sinhala, Tamil and English has been made online for public display. Through the report, PSC has blamed the State Intelligence Service (SIS) for its failure in preventing the Easter Attack. The report, as highlighted in Daily Mirror, has also named the President, the Prime Minister and the State Minister of Defence as ‘culpable’ persons who can be blamed for the tragedy to some extent. PSC chairman and present Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri stated that PSC in its report has made eight recommendations that includes taking action to ban Wahabism in Sri Lanka, reorganising the defence sectors including the intelligence services, setting up of financial investigation unit, Reorganising the Attorney General’s Department and the Judiciary, monitoring media in order to stop publishing of false reports, change the education system to avoid teaching of extremism.
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October - 26 
Investigations pertaining to the 12 detained Malaysians for their alleged link to Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been completed, reports Colombo Page on October 27. Issuing a statement, Counter-terrorism chief and Deputy Commissioner Datuk Ayob Khan stated that the investigations have
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Investigations pertaining to the 12 detained Malaysians for their alleged link to Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been completed, reports Colombo Page on October 27. Issuing a statement, Counter-terrorism chief and Deputy Commissioner Datuk Ayob Khan stated that the investigations have been so far fruitful and the probe papers have been forwarded to Attorney General's Chambers (AGC). AGC will be taking final decision regarding the 12 detainees.
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November - 3 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will be unconditionally supporting New Democratic Front (NDF) Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, stated TNA MP MA Sumanthiran, reports Colombo Page on November 4. Prior on November 3, the Central Committee of Ilangai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), the main constituent
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will be unconditionally supporting New Democratic Front (NDF) Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, stated TNA MP MA Sumanthiran, reports Colombo Page on November 4. Prior on November 3, the Central Committee of Ilangai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), the main constituent of the TNA had taken decision to support Sajith Premadasa. MA Sumanthiran said that TNA have withdrawn its 13 point demands based on the discussion the alliance had with all the Presidential candidates. And so after discussions, TNA has chosen Sajith among the others and will be supporting him without any pre-conditions. This statement comes at the time when Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris in a news briefing issued a statement criticising Sajith Premadasa on his silent acceptance to the 13 point demands of TNA, reports Daily Mirror.
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November - 5 
Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), Sri Lanka's election monitor, has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) about certain Grama Niladharis tampering with registered voter lists in Colombo District, reports Colombo Page on November 6. In its complaint, CMEV has stated that
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Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), Sri Lanka's election monitor, has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) about certain Grama Niladharis tampering with registered voter lists in Colombo District, reports Colombo Page on November 6. In its complaint, CMEV has stated that some Grama Niladharis have arbitrarily removed the names of long-standing residents from their respective voter lists without any explanation. This is a problem in the prospect of non-functioning of the online voter list on the official website of Election Commission. CMEV has further requested EC to redress the grievances of the voters as soon as possible.
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