Govt. probes suspected extremist group operating in Eastern Province

Wednesday, 5 March 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government yesterday confirmed that the intelligence and security forces are investigating reports of a suspected extremist group operating in the Eastern Province, particularly in the Kalmunai area.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the authorities have received preliminary information about the group and are actively working to uncover further details.

“At the moment, we have information that there is a group operating based in the Eastern Province,” he disclosed at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

Last week, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told the Parliament that there is a sudden rise in criminal gangs suggesting a potential conspiracy behind their simultaneous operations. He categorically pointed to the Eastern and Northern provinces, citing that the intelligence service has received information.

When asked whether the group or groups have been identified, banned or if arrested, Dr. Jayatissa said investigations were still in the early stages.

The Eastern Province, particularly Kalmuani has previously been under scrutiny due to security concerns following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which were linked to an extremist network that has operated in the region.