IS leader video underscores need for stronger security: PM

• Says Govt. will increase global co-operation on terror and work harder to close any security gaps

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said that the video featuring Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi talking about the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka is an additional reason for the Government to strengthen security and increase cross-border co-operation. 

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

 

Referring to statements made by al-Baghdadi, who has been seen after the lapse of about five years, Wickremesinghe said it underscored the new challenges for Sri Lanka to be ready for attacks, which had already taken place without warning in many other countries around the world. He said that efforts to improve security had already started and would continue as the Government works to amp up its response to attacks that killed 253 people. 

“We took swift steps the moment the attacks happened. There is no point making accusations against each other and blaming other people. We worked to improve security and restore normalcy. Security forces have found large stashes of explosives and other material that could have been used for future attacks. Many more details of the attacks have been revealed, but this is not an opportune moment to reveal them. The competence and professionalism of the security forces is the reason that we were able to improve security so quickly over the last few days,” he said.     

Wickremesinghe went onto say that over 10,000 intelligence officials and as many as 100,000 military personnel were working around the clock. He said that if there were any people responsible for the attacks that had managed to slip the net, they would be caught soon. 

“However, even with everyone responsible for the attacks caught, we cannot be complacent. It is clear from al-Baghdadi’s statements that it is possible IS will carry out more attacks around the world. Therefore the entire world needs to come together to face this threat. Sri Lanka has every intention of working with countries fighting terrorism to share intelligence and improve co-operation. We hope to exchange intelligence and expertise.” 

He also called on the public to work together to improve security and maintain harmony between different ethnic and religious communities. He warned that there were political factions attempting to use the attacks for their gain and whip up communities against each other. He called for the public to be vigilant about them and to reject any attempts to cause disharmony in the country.