Forces must not play politics: Kiriella

• Emergency passed in Parliament without a vote

Security lapses and the alleged incompetency of the intelligence officers came under attack yesterday in Parliament, with the Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella appealing to security forces not to play politics. 

Moving the proclamation of the State of Emergency debate, Kiriella said as many as 100 people could be arrested over the explosions. State of Emergency regulations were passed in Parliament without a vote. 

The Minister, charging intelligence officers for failing to do their jobs, questioned the conduct of the National Security Council that led to the Easter Sunday attacks on innocent civilians.

“The information was received on 4 April. The National Security Council met on 7 April, but this was not taken up. Was it discussed? This is the question we ask. The Prime Minister was not allowed at the National Security Council meetings. Nor were the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers kept informed. Head of National Intelligence Service Sisira Mendis had only written a letter to the Inspector General of Police on 9 April sharing information of a possible planned attack. Apart from that, he has not informed relevant authorities, including the President, Prime Minister and State Minister of Defence. He can’t escape by writing letters. Intelligence agencies are supposed to be hands-on. Instead, he could have picked up the phone and reached out to them,” charged the Minister. 

Blaming President Sirisena as well for the security lapses, Minister Kiriella said: “The intelligence services comes under the Ministry of Defence, but the President says he was not informed about this report. Who are they serving if they aren’t keeping the President, PM and State Defence Minister informed of such threats? The security establishment cannot play politics,” he asserted. (AH)