Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday that information uncovered during ongoing investigations indicated that Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sara Jasmine, linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, was not dead.

Responding to a question raised by Opposition MP Mujibur Rahuman, the Minister said there was no confirmation that Sara Jasmine was currently in India, despite speculation to that effect. He added that investigators suspected she may have fled the country and stressed that further inquiries were underway to establish her whereabouts.

“If necessary, the government will take steps to obtain a warrant,” Wijepala said, noting that legal action related to the Easter attacks had already been initiated, based on available evidence.

Minister Wijepala said the new government had launched an thorough probe to determine whether a political or other conspiracy had been behind the attacks that killed more than 270 people in 2019. However, he declined to disclose certain details in Parliament, citing the risk of hampering investigations.

Sara Jasmine, Mohammed Hashtun, who bombed St. Sebastian’s Church, in Katuwapitiya, in 2019, was long presumed to have died in a suicide blast in Sainthamaruthu, days after the attacks. Wijepala said attempts by previous administrations to establish her death had failed, with recent reports indicating that DNA tests conducted at the time were inconclusive.

During the debate, MP Rahuman recalled that senior figures, including then-Opposition MP Nalinda Jayatissa, had previously claimed Sara Jasmine was in India. He questioned why authorities had not sought an open warrant for her arrest whether the issue had been raised in talks with Indian officials.

Wijepala, responding on behalf of Deputy Minister of Defence Arun Jayasekara, said the government would not hesitate to pursue legal action, including warrants, if necessary.

By Saman Indrajith

The Chief of the Indian Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (07). On arrival, the COAS was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army.

The Indian HC said that: “He will engage with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary; and hold detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest, including training cooperation, capacity building and regional security.

During the visit, the COAS will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College, Buttala, reflecting India’s strong commitment to defence education and professional military exchanges with Sri Lanka.

General Dwivedi will also pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial, honouring the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers.”

General Dwivedi arrived here from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he attended several events during 05 to 06 January.

The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya will be held on 08, 09 and 10 January, 2026. The historical Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera was first held in 1927 due largely to the efforts of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte.

This Perahera has evolved over the years to become the country’s most elaborate and grandest low country pageant in its category. Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is the most sacred temple in the Western Province of Sri Lanka since the Buddha’s visit here during his P historic visit to Sri Lanka.

It celebrates this event annually in the “Duruthu Poya” during January by conducting a historic, traditional and cultural pageant, the “Kelani Perahera”. While the Kelani Perahera commemorates the religious significance of Lord Buddha’s visit.

The Perahera is organised under the guidance of Chief Priest of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thera, and President of Dayaka Sabha, Dr. Saman Weerasinghe.

The Perahera will commence with the Chancellor of the Kelaniya University Agra Maha Panditha Ven Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera handing over the Sacred Relic Casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle. The sacred relic Perahera will be followed by three Devale Perahera’s of God Vibishana, God Kataragama and God Vishnu.

On 08th January, 2026, will be the Udamaluwe Perahera, 09th January will be the Sacred City Perahera, and 10th January will be the Grand Duruthu Maha Perahera. The Perahera will commence at 8.00 pm.

There will be a special enclosure for foreign tourists to view the Perahera.