Sri Lankan authorities have initiated investigations into reports of a Muslim extremist group operating in the Eastern Province, according to Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
Addressing the Cabinet press briefing today, Minister Jayatissa stated that police intelligence and security forces are actively working to uncover more details about the group’s activities. He also noted that the President had shared relevant information regarding this matter in Parliament.
Early in October last year, Sri Lankan authorities have deployed troops and intensified police patrols around a Jewish community center in Arugam Bay, a popular tourist destination in eastern province, following a U.S. embassy warning about a potential attack on tourist sites.
“The information was that a place called ‘Chabad House,’ run by Israelis, could be a target, and we have taken measures to strengthen security,” said police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa by that time.
