Pathfinder Director delivers lecture on Easter bombings in Leshan, China

Admiral Colombage with Directors and professors of Trans-Himalaya Studies Centre in Leshan

Director of Pathfinder Foundation Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage delivered a lecture titled ‘Islamic State and International Terrorism: Easter Bombings in Sri Lanka’ at the centre for Trans-Himalaya Studies at Leshan Normal University in early June 2019.

He focused on the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka carried out by a group of radicalised extremist Muslims on 21 April and its negative consequences on the economy, security and social harmony of the island nation.

Admiral Prof. Colombage also spoke about follow up action taken by the government of Sri Lanka and armed forces together with police to bring the situation under control and arrest large number of suspects within a relatively short period of time. 

Admiral Colombage furthermore presented an analysis of Islamic State’s ideology, motivation, radicalisation and links to international terrorism. He pointed out that although the Islamic State has lost physical territory in Iraq and Syria, the ideology of Islamic Caliphate is pretty much alive. 

The current ideology of the Islamic State is revenge taking, based on hardline jihadist principles. Admiral suggested countering strategy for Islamic terrorism and emphasised the need to seek support of Muslim religious leaders and elders to understand the correct interpretation of holy Quran. 

He further emphasised that national security should be given priority by all countries and the need to maintain surveillance and monitor the activities of radicalised elements in the society and cyber space.

Trans-Himalaya Studies at Leshan Normal University is where the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue is located. Leshan Giant Buddha carved out of a rock in the eight century and mount Emei, one of the foremost sacred Buddhist mountains in China are situated in the city of Leshan in Sichuan Province, China. 

Centre for Trans-Himalaya Studies is located within the Leshan Normal University under the executive directorship of Professor Liu-Junrong and senior professor Dai Yonghong is the adviser and co-director. This centre is dedicated to focus on Trans-Himalaya and Bay of Bengal regions. Pathfinder Foundation entered in to memorandum of understanding with Trans-Himalaya Centre in 2018 to enhance joint research and people to people contacts through religion and culture.