Sirisena has so far failed to submit any documentary evidence to PCoI to back his claims

By Rathndra Kuruwita

Former President Maithripala Sirisena had not submitted any documents to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI), investigating the Easter Sunday attacks, to prove that he had instructed the relevant officials  to take action on the threat posed by the rising Islamic radicalism to National Security, it was revealed on Saturday.

In earlier appearances before the Commission, Sirisena had said he had instructed those in charge about the need to eradicate Islamic extremism.

However, documentary proof in support of his claims had not been submitted to the PCoI, the AG’s Department representative, who led evidence, told the witness. Sirisena said that the relevant documents could probably be found at the Presidential Secretariat.

“You have to check with the Presidential Secretariat to see if these documents are available. The yahapalana government gave priority to national security and reconciliation was just another subject under several ministries.”

The former President said he had repeatedly instructed relevant officials as regards the need to tackle religious extremism not only at the National Security Council (NSC) meetings but also on several other occasions.

Sirisena said: “I’m not a defence expert. I’m a politician. It’s a serious matter why institutions such as the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), the Navy Intelligence, and the Police had failed to provide adequate information on religious extremism in the country.”