State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardena today said despite being the second in command of national security in the country, he was not notified of the intelligence reports pertaining to the Easter Sunday Bombings.
State Minister Wijewardena testified before the Parliament Select Committee probing the Easter Sunday attacks this afternoon.
Appearing before the committee, Defence State Minister Wijewardena presented a detailed account on the post Easter Sunday attack investigation.
The State Minister added that security has been beefed up following the April 21st attacks and noted that through a methodical approach, the present administration has prevented another terror attack on Sri Lankan soil.
The State Minister claimed he had not received any information on the attack at any point before the April bombings stating it was regretful had not received any such information.
State Minister Wijewardena reiterated he did not receive any information regarding the attacks noting it had been an issue in communication.
The State Minister revealed he had visited the Ministry of Defence following the attacks and the Head of the Intelligence Unit had informed him that they had received prior information on the suspect named Zahran.
State Minister Wijewardena stated he had not received additional security details through a police memo however after the attacks he had inquired from his security officials if they had received such a letter and had received a confirmation pertaining to it after the attacks.
The State Minister further claimed he had further inquired why he had not been informed of such a letter to which his security detail had replied that it was the responsibility of the MSD officers to protect him and that they received such letters from time to time and they continue to do their job and do not inform their seniors of such matters.
State Minister Wijewardena added he had also not been aware that his security detail had been strengthened.
Former Ministers of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake and Ranjith Madduma Bandara also testified before the Committee today.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to testify before the Committee later today.
Lobby Correspondent said the Committee convened for today’s session at around 2pm.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Select Committee Deputy Speaker of House Ananda Kumarasiri said the Committee has compiled the preliminary report based on the evidence hearings thus far and the final report will be tabled in Parliament within the next two weeks.
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