Report by the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Easter Sunday Suicide attacks is presented to the Parliament today.
The PSC makes several findings and recommendations in the report. Below are the key findings:
Following the attacks, evidence emerged that prior intelligence information was available regarding the impending attack but that it was not acted upon. The PSC notes that intelligence information related to the attacks was first received by the Director, SIS on 4th April 2019 but there were delays from his end to share it with the relevant intelligence and security personnel. The Director, SIS was called by name by the then Secretary MOD to brief the ICM on 9th April 2019 but failed to do this by saying he would send a written update on the intelligence received. This, the PSC notes is a major failure from the Director SIS, the lead in the intelligence apparatus who had received pride of place at the ICM and NSC. The PSC also notes the failure on the part of the SIS to act up on the subsequent intelligence information received after the explosion on 16th April 2019 in Kattankudy. The PSC notes that the Director SIS bears the greatest responsibility. This is compounded by the fact that since 8th April 2018, a full one year before the incident, he had in writing to the IGP requested for the shutting down of investigations by others into Zahran, which resulted in the SIS becoming the sole investigator into Zahran.
PSC also observes that the SIS missed a series of events that should have alerted the state security apparatus to the impending attacks and demonstrated to them the importance of the intelligence information received. This was in the context of intelligence already known on Zahran and his allies including police reports on him and arrest warrants issued on him dated March 2017. Other incidents since 2018 (described in detail in the findings) demonstrate how the lead intelligence party should have been more vigilant and taken steps to keep the ICM, NSC and other relevant parties informed. This failure by the SIS has resulted in hundreds of deaths, many more injured and immeasurable devastation to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans and that must not be treated lightly. The PSC makes this observation considering attempts made to shield the culpability of key individuals and the need to hold all individuals responsible without further delay.
The PSC further notes, that whilst the greatest responsibility remains with the Director SIS, others too failed in their duties. Within the security and intelligence apparatus, the Secretary MOD, IGP, CNI and DMI failed in their responsibilities. All were informed of the intelligence information prior to the Easter Sunday attacks but failed to take necessary steps to mitigate or prevent it.
The PSC makes a very serious finding in terms of the status of the state intelligence apparatus, where intelligence information known to a few was not shared with relevant parties. The PSC also observes that further investigations will be needed to understand whether those with vested interests did not act on intelligence so as to create chaos and instil fear and uncertainty in the country in the lead up to the Presidential Election to be held later in the year. Such a situation would then lead to the call for a change of regime to contain such acts of terrorism. Coincidently or not so coincidentally, the security situation and fear would be unleashed months away from the Presidential Election. The PSC also notes that this occured in the context of changes in the leadership in the Sri Lankan Army and DMI in 2019. These are extremely serious observations that can impact the democratic governance, electoral processes and security of Sri Lanka and must require urgent attention.
In addition, the PSC observes that the President failed in numerous occasions to give leadership and also actively undermined government and systems including having ad hoc NSC meetings and leaving out key individuals from meetings. Whilst the fissures in Government were evident in 2018, amplified with the Constitutional Crisis, these also impacted the security apparatus. Several others are listed in the report as having failed in their duties including the Prime Minister and State Minister for Defence and the Attorney General’s Department.
An important finding of the PSC is the need for structural and legislative reform which are discussed in Report of the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament on the Terrorist Attacks that took place in different places in Sri Lanka on 21st April 2019 detail in the report. A critical introduction would be an independent and robust National Security Council with a National Security Advisor, essential in addressing evolving security challenges. The PSC also highlights the need for legislative reforms in several areas such as initiatives to counter fake news and responsible reporting, work in the education sector, the need for greater Parliament oversight, among others.
The PSC also makes note of the rising extremism in Sri Lanka. Evidence received by the PSC indicates that Zahran started a campaign to radicalise Muslim youth and motivate them to use violence to achieve their ends post March 2018 attacks on Muslims in Digana. However, investigations to date have not shown any evidence that Zahran had direct links with the ISIS. PSC observes that several people of Kattankudy and several local Muslim groups made complaints against Zahran as early as 2013/2014 to the authorities. Testimony also showed that investigations had commenced into some of his speeches and activities. The rise in extremism was also in the backdrop of increasing levels of Islamaphobia.
The PSC also observes increasing levels of Wahabism and Arabization in parts of Sri Lanka in recent years. A physical change had taken place in recent years in Kattankudy town with the emergence of Date-Palm Trees and Arabic lettering on public sign boards. The Batticaloa campus buildings also prominently display Arabic architecture and landscape, making it drastically different to any university building in the country. Evidence received by the PSC indicates that Arabization commenced and was fostered in Kattankudy by Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah. The PSC notes that the spread of Wahhabism and the Arabization of Kattankudy contributed to the growth of extremism in the Report of the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament on the Terrorist Attacks that took place in different places in Sri Lanka on 21st April 2019 Islamic community especially in the East and must be further investigated.
The PSC also notes that several politicians made comments subsequent to the Easter Sunday attacks which were inflammatory and irresponsible. The PSC notes that speeches that incite hate and racism, by politicians, religious leaders and others, are extremely dangerous and must be independently investigated and individuals held to account. Inaction will only exacerbate the impunity and contribute to further hate and fear in Sri Lanka. The PSC recommendations are included in a separate section towards the end of the report.
To read the full report in all there languages click here
Lankan9 / October 23, 2019
Gota and his cohort behind all this
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Bawa / October 24, 2019
Lankan9, thank you. I did not know that Gota was a Muslim.
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Janaka from Matara / October 25, 2019
That obviously is a bridge too far. Aim at knowing your own IQ. That could be a surprise.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / October 26, 2019
The following facts have been deliberately omitted to safeguard some parties.
1. Since 2009 Zaharan and other Muslim extremists were funded and nurtured by the then government to create trouble to Tamils similar to how Gnanassara and other Sinhala extremists were funded and nurtured to create trouble to Muslims.
2. Present government continued the same practice turning a blind eye to their activities despite complains from Tamils and some Muslims.
3. Pakistani intelligent agency is working among Muslims in the east fomenting hatred between Tamils and Muslims, and have acted as a facilitator between Muslim terrorists and Sri Lanka government.
4. Muslim terror groups are the remnants of Muslim home guards and military informants used by government during the war to harass Tamils.
5. The bomb attack was organised by Mahinda and Gota with connivance of Sirisena who wanted to create chaos and topple the government. They got the Pakistani agents to brainwash these terrorists to attack Tamils and Sinhala Christians, when those who caused trouble to Muslims were Buddhists.
6. Sirisena who was minister of defence, took over ministry of internal security in order to control the entire security establishment to carry out the attack without any objection from some quarter. He had instructed security chiefs not to take action against Zaharan despite there being evidence of a possible terror attack by Zaharan. OIC Katankudi gave evidence to this effect.
7. Top Sinhala politicians of both sides and top officers of security establishment knew about the bomb attack, where most of them wanted it to happen while some did not want to interfere for fear of their positions..
8. When father of Harin Fernando who was lying in hospital bed with a leg amputated knew about it being told by a CID officer friend, to state that UNPers being unaware of it is a blatant lie. (CONTD)
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / October 26, 2019
(CONTD)
9. Ranil and other top UNPers wanted this to happen in order to relieve pressure from UNHCR on justice to Tamils on accountability and reconciliation. Fact that all these had been put away from being acted on since bomb blast, proves this.
10. Since these people have got caught they are trying to pin the blame on their opponents. If president commission was to save Sirisena and put the blame on the security officials, this PSC is to save the government.
11. Despite strong evidence against Badurdeen and Hisbulla of connection with Islamic terrorists nothing has happened. Why was retired army commander not questioned for going back on his earlier statement to the press about Badurdeen.
12. Why no inquiry made on Muslim politicians, businessmen and professionals about their association with Islamic terrorism. Why no action taken on public statement made by Azath Sally that there are several judges involved in it.
13. Why Tamils and Sinhala Catholics were not told of the reason for being targeted by Muslim terrorists, when perpetrators of atrocities on Muslims were Sinhala Buddhists. The statement made by Ruwan Wijewardena soon after the attack that it was a revenge for Christians attacking Muslims in New Zealand gives some suspicion of a cover up the complicity of the government.
14. Gota and Mahinda saying that they will appoint a fresh inquiry if they come to power will be another white wash to cover up the criminals.
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mike / October 24, 2019
Lankan9 – “Gota and his cohort behind all this.” You are spot-on, so said Dayan Jayatilleke public racist #1 and warmonger. DJ is possibly singing for his supper!
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Amarasiri / October 24, 2019
Lankan9,
Who is the traitor and coward behind this, who ran to America in 1990 without facing the LTTE? Nandasena Gotabsaya Rajapaksa.
ෆොන්සේකා ගෝඨාගේ රෙදිගලවපු ප්රෙස් එක (Full speech )
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RF-JiaAqsJg
Listen to what the True Hero, Field Marshall Sarath Finseka had to say.
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Ahmad Nadvi / October 23, 2019
“The PSC notes that intelligence information related to the attacks was first received by the Director, SIS on 4th April 2019 but there were delays from his end to share it with the relevant intelligence and security personnel. The Director, SIS was called by name by the then Secretary MOD to brief the ICM on 9th April 2019 but failed to do,…”
I have following questions;
First, when did the MoD receive, if they had received, the same information as Director of SIS did or different one.
Second, why did the MoD call the Director of SIS in person.
Third, once he failed to appear what corrective action was taken against him and/or to prevent possible act as per their information.
For the time being these three questions suggest that someone , who was planning to get huge benefits out of it, was behind the scene. WHO IS THE BLACK SHIP?
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chiv / October 23, 2019
” I said so” the very next day after Easter carnage. I was vociferous and confident in my opinion which is now confirmed by PSC findings. I know the timing is such there will be nothing productive coming out of this report, except for more finger pointing and exploiting , for election purposes. I was confident that 1) MS knew and did not take any action and prevented others from taking action. 2)many other higher ups in Defence including SIS and the rest who are close to MS , knew and intentionally did not follow through with the intelligence warnings. 3) The ones who connived were instructed by Rajapaksas to look the other way.4) Is MS , part of this murderous plan ??? we may very well know the answer soon. The reason I say this is, all his activities before and after Easter indicates he had a secret pact with Rajapaksas and he played his double role well. He pretended to stand for election when he could not and then pretended to nominate a candidate, and at the last moment left the party in utter confusion and disarray, so that they could not be a challenge for Rajapaksas to get hard core SB votes. And while doing so, he pretended to oppose Gotha,s nomination, just as he pretended not knowing about Easter attacks.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / October 27, 2019
Chiv, what I wrote on the day of the Easter carnage, that you copied the next day. So do not try to claim for credit which is not due to you. Mahinda and Gota planned it with consent of Sirisena to create chaos and topple the government. This was categorically stated by me on the first day itself. At first I thought UNP members did not know about it, but now it is clear that government is also in the game as they wanted to take the pressure off UNHRC regarding Tamil issues..
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chiv / October 23, 2019
When Gotha gets elected, all the evidences will go missing and case will be closed. A new commission may be appointed to tell Rajapaksas version.
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Sinhala_Man / October 25, 2019
Chives, . . . When Gota gets elected says you!
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It’s our collective business to prevent that happening by voting 1. AKD, 2. Ajantha Perera 3. Sajith
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And get others to do so. I’m in a bus putting this on, having first told six people how to vote- without mentioning names.
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The bus has just started from Maharagama. Going to NuwaraEliya. I get off at Kahattewela where lives one of the 35 candidates, Samaraweera Weerawanni. I will not vote for him!
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K.A. Sumanasekera / October 23, 2019
PSC Member SLMC Boss Hakeem was in Pow Pow with Zaharan starting from 2015..,,What did he contribute to these PSC Findings?.
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JVP sponsored the owner of a Srilankan Army Ordinance manufacturing Facility to become a Member of Parliament in 2015
His sons used the same facility to make the 20Kg Plus Suicide Bomb Kits which blew up the 5 Catholic Holy Places.
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What was rhe JVP Rep in the PSC doing there and how much did he contribute to these findings?.
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ajith / October 23, 2019
Saharan was in the pay list of Mahinda & Gota
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soma / October 24, 2019
You see there are devout Muslims who are prepared to lay down their lives , in whole families, for the sake of Rajapaksas!
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Soma
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John / October 24, 2019
Ajith,
Why do you think that is? The attacks happened on Yahaplana regime’s watch and they are accountable. After 4 years, they have taken the government.
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Amarasiri / October 24, 2019
John,
Yes, during the Yahapalanaya watch, but fully funded by the Rajapaksas from the looted public funds.
Didn’t the Oct 26th , 2018 illegal coup happen during Yahapalanaya?
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D. P. / October 23, 2019
The two men who are most responsible the security failure are MY 3 & Nilantha Jayawardena. They are still free & enjoying all privileges while another two men – IGP & the Sec Of Defense – whose has were tied not to act are in custody. If they acted on their own and if the intelligence turned out to be faulty, they would still get punished for creating chaos during a festival season (New Year & Easter)! An excellent example for a modern version of proverbial verdicts from king Kekille’.
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I think that MY 3 set it up for UNP to lose the presidential election believing that he would be the strongest rival against UNP. Remember that this happened only a little over three months after the so-called 51 Black Days during when MY3’s friendship with MaRa was at its highest. Also, the main theme in the speech soon after return from Singapore was to put the blame on UNP by saying arresting of intelligence officers caused the security failure -a theme SLPP is campaigning on these days. It is a shame that Cardinal Ranjith also contributing to same false explanation. Unfortunately, politics of elections may let MY 3 off the hook at least until next June. I doubt whether the attorney general would ever file charges against the current boss.
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Banda / October 23, 2019
The entire text of the commission will be laid to rest and later will be sold to the bottle man ( patthara karaya ) for a few rupees. This is lanka Kehelkan Janarajaya.
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Pygmalion / October 23, 2019
M.L.A.M.Hisbullah who is quoted in this report is the cause for Muslim Fundamentalism and radicalization of Muslim youth in Kattankudy, which is about 6 sq.km.with a population over 50,000. It has around 63 mosques.A PERFECT LOCATION for the spread of wahhabism.
Now he is also a Presidential candidate, to carry out a contract on behalf of another Presidential Candidate Gota, to split the Muslim vote.
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Douglas / October 23, 2019
From the day i.e. “21st April 2018” incident, I had formed my opinion of the “Reasons” for the President – the Minister of National Security to be away from the country. We heard, that Head of SIS and the Secretary, Defence were the two “Closest” Officials who had all the information dating back to “09th April”. Can anyone imagine, that information was not available to the President – the Minister in-charge? Wouldn’t that been , to the say the least , brought up even at a casual meeting or a telephone call? In actual fact, what all these “THREE” some; The President, Secretary, Defence and Head of SIS wanted to provide “ammunition ” to “MR & Co. Inc”. and make a “Finish” with PM- Ranil W. All of them knew, IGP is a “Slave” of PM and that is why, the Secretary, Defence, simply addressed a “Note” to IGP and kept silent. That fool of a “IGP” blinded by his “Slave” pulses, ignored the “warning sign”, without even informing that to PM. Perhaps, he (IGP) would also had a “plan” to allow it to take place so that the entire blame would fall on the President, who even had kept him out of Security Council meetings. In short this entire “DRAMA” was like two snakes trying to finish one another by, one snake starts swallowing from the head while the other snake starts from the tail. While this “DRAMA” was staged, 277 innocent citizens have perished and another 300 or more have been made victims to suffer for life and another untold numbers to live with the agony and remembrances of loss of loved ones. Where is “KARMA” and WHO would impose that on these “CRIMINALS”? That will come, not so soon, but one day with “Compound Interests”. That I know for certain. How one could ask. Even “ONE MOMENT” before eyes are closed, that haunting memory will be “AWAKENED”. I haven’t read the “Report” yet.
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Sinhala_Man / October 25, 2019
A moving account, Douglas.
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Rajan Hoole has already written a book on the Easter Bombings. Title something like “Deep State” I have it here, in the bus. It is now in the Bookstores. Rs 400. Last week it was not so available. So I went to Victor Ivan’s Ravaya press and got it for Rs 280.
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Oh, somethings got erased!
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Muhandiram / October 23, 2019
“The PSC notes that the spread of Wahhabism and the Arabization of Kattankudy contributed to the growth of extremism.”
What is “Wahhabism” and what is “Arabization”? Has the PSC defined these terms which are liberally used in the Media by the Islamophobists and also others? Shouldn’t the PSC also explain how “Wahhabism” and “Arabization” has “contributed to the growth of extremism.”
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K.A. Sumanasekera / October 24, 2019
Did the PSC grill the UNP Minister Harin, who bragged how he saved his dear life thanks to his sick Dad ‘s call with the”Intelligence ” on Easter Friday,?.
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Did the PSC grill the ” Dad” to find out who gave him this “INtelligence” ?..
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I read in the Media that PM Dr Ranil cleared Mr Baththudeen of any connection with Zaharans and Ibrahims or their Terrorism ,despite the ex Army General disclosing to the Media that Minister Bathudeen called him to enguire about the ” welfare” of one of the Terrorist Suspects who was taken in to Custody, when the Army was put in charge of security, soon after the Easter Sunday. –
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We know both Dr Ranil the PM and Mr Bathdeen the Minister were grilled by these esteemed members of the PSC.
Did they agree with Dr Ranil’s disclosure in their findings?..
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John / October 24, 2019
PSC is a huge waste of time and money, and a huge farce. The whole point of PSC report is to let Badudeen the alleged facilitator and his cohorts off the hook, to deceive the public of Easter day Muslim terrorism, to cover up Muslimisation of Sri Lanka, to take a swipe at Sinhala-Buddhist patriots who are deeply concerned about Muslim invasion, etc, etc.
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After the latest exposure of Hakim who allegedly had contacts with Saharan and his brother, the validity of the PSC report has completely lost. He also has murky past as well like meeting with Prabakaran, Kumari case, etc.
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So, bin the report because it is an insult to Eater day victims of Muslim terrorism. It’s been six months since the attacks, and not justice in sight.
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Remember, several high profile Westerners were killed as well. And the Vatican is closely watching how the government is going to serve justice for the victims.
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Gamini / October 24, 2019
All these probes and reports are well and good. But what may be final outcome of these exercises? Atleast this report has been tabled in the House and can be debated. But I wonder what may have happened to the many other such probes and reports (examples are below) which may not have been even tabled in the House? Wasted money, time and effort? Who is protecting whom in all these?
1) Welikada Prison Massacre
2) Alleged coup on the night of 8 Jan 2015
3) Fracas in Parliament during the 52 day fiasco
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rbh / October 24, 2019
Intelligent teaches the responsible heads need to push yourself, and in time, that you need to make decisions in the right time not too late. as there was early signal of zahrain associates action.
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kebab / October 24, 2019
I thought Zaharan did it !
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chiv / October 24, 2019
Today News : Thilanga Sumathipala, who was suspended by ICC from participating in any cricketing activities, after corruption probes, is now nominated to COPE, replacing the deceased Gajadera. This is Lanka for viewers. Lankans have truly mastered the “recycling technology” where SHIT is recycled to edible . What progress are we expecting in Lanka ????????? A revolving door to “shit hole”. Seventy years of Family politics/dynasty, elected based on race and religion, criminals and crooks filling up the house rogues who were kicked out by people mandate still holding positions . What kind of civilization, democracy and elections are we discussing. The beauty of diversity is seen in recent Canadian Elections where 18 or so Indian decent Sikhs were elected, which is more than the current Indian Parliament.
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Udesh / October 24, 2019
1. In 1950’s sri lanka had the 2nd highest per capita in asia next to Japan
Cassichetti design the so called tamil home land emphasizing war is an option for tamils.
2 Bandaranayake makes the sinhala only language in foreseeing the future of the country.
Bandaranayake mistetiously shot and killed by a well educated monk.
3. Rohana Wijeweera put forward new economic plan to develop the country without corruption emphasizing on securing natural resources and asks goverments to follow.
His movement becomes uncontrolable to him by way of a unforseen hand.
4. J R Jayawardane introdices open economy and persue to end the tamil tigers.
On the very last stage india drops dhal to wadamarachchi and introduces provincial council system by force.
5. Premadasa ends so called JVP rebels and the country starts its economic boom.
Premadasa assasinated by a suicide bomber who’s known to him for sometime.
Like wise….
6. Sri Lanka become the best tourist destination.
Muslim terrrorists attacks tourist destinations and churches.
It is clear there is a unforseen evil hand on all of these events.
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soma / October 25, 2019
We have to find out who promised Saharan 70 virgins. The PSC has wholly misdirected their efforts.
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Soma
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Good Sense / October 25, 2019
Judging from the pubic reactions it is meaningful to say that 4/21 attacks are a disadvantage to the parties associated with Government and an electoral advantage to the opposition represented by the flower bud (Pohottuwa). But it does not infer that Pohottuwites caused this carnage. The attack was a systematic operation (but not as systematic and organized like the LTTE) and the events leading to it did not adequately catch the eye of the authority. This report indicates so. I took the trouble to read the summary and glance through the material. Although apathy, disorganized and chaotic behavior is indicated it does not address why. I do understand that the detrimental and nonchalant activities of individuals must be highlighted as per the terms of reference. Nevertheless the root cause for this unsatisfactory behavior must be revealed at least in the sidelines even if the terms of reference do not provide for it because if we do not address this a repetition of this cannot be prevented.
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charles / October 25, 2019
People will give the best judgement on 16 NOV for Easter bombing and last 5 years. You can’t have any better than that and whatever we comment here we have to accept it.
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JD / October 25, 2019
Even Karu Jayasuriya had to sign and implement letters came from unknown sources. I am pretty sure, this PSC was to find what did politicians and bureaucrats know about Al Bagdadi’s maneuvers. Politicians played for them. Rishad Bathiuddin and Hakeem were members of the PSC Team. Now, they go behind judicially against Hisbulla to say, Open your mouth you will be in trouble.
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nalmen / October 25, 2019
all these come to nothing in the end
no one is found guilty and prosecuted
no one is sacked
no one asked sira why he took his family to singapre after the indian trip during this period
all a waste of time and money
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Wera / October 25, 2019
Who was investigating Saharan before he was arrested on some bull crap accusations from that patholaya Namal Kumara? It was DIG Nalaka De Silva from the TID. What was this bogus plot spun by the serpent Sirisena. Does he not need to be dragged into the CID for questioning given the damning evidence in this investigation? Who is responsible for the Arabization of Kattankudy besides Hisbulla? Who supported Saharan, Hisbulla and looked the other way giving approval and cart blanch to establish a Wahabi (Viceous Hateful religeous dogma) University and keep Saharan on the army intelligence payrole? The timing of all of this just before an impending presidential election? Dayan Jayathileka maybe a very distastefull man but I have to agree with with him for once. These scum bags murdered 250 innocent people for power. Even now there are false social media postings accusing the UNP for this attack. A mistaken and false narrative is been attempted to say that Catholics will vote for Gotler because they blame the government for their loss. Even the foolish Cardinal seems to want to buy into this idea. It is the incumbent upon all of us to try and stop this from happening.
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chiv / October 30, 2019
Gnana, just remember what I said about our own Lankan Tamils else where. Please take all the credit you want . I do not care for credits , I just want the truth to be told. How can two peoples with same opinion can be termed as Plagiarism , is beyond by knowledge. Also Gnana people may copy different things but will someone copy of another on this matter especially when it is negative , accusing politicians and comes with potential risk. If you said it, credit to you. But please do not flip flop like Gotha when in trouble. Gotha claimed victory but not the killings, when confronted he told press he was not at the war front, leading the troops.
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