News
Hakeem tells PCoI probing Easter carnage ‘another force’ masterminded attacks
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) or its leader Zahran Hashim had no link to ISIS and the Easter Sunday attacks had been masterminded by another force that wanted to destabilise the country, SLMC Leader MP Rauff Hakeem, on Monday, told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.
Testifying before the Commission the witness said that those behind the attack had achieved their final objective of destabilising the country.
“The NTJ used the ISIS banner just for namesake and the group was used as pawns. The Easter Sunday attacks were a one-off incident. Such an attack will not happen again.”
The commissioners then asked Hakeem to reveal who is thought was behind the attack. Hakeem said that he would reveal that information in camera.
Hakeem also said that the SLMC had no political agreements with NTJ leader Zahran Hashim during the 2015 general election.
“People want to link SLMC with Zahran but we never had such an association with him,” he said.
The Commissioners also questioned Hakeem on visiting the NTJ mosque and Zahran’s brother Rilwan Hashim in hospital following a clash on August 21, 2015.
Hakeem said that as a political leader he met many people every day and not everyone was known to him. He had visited several persons who were injured during a clash in Kattankudy, he added.
Hakeem said he had visited the NTJ mosque, after going to hospital, to inspect the damages, and Zahran had been present there. “At that time, Zahran had not even established a group named NTJ and that mosque was in a small hut,” he said.
Emeritus Professor of Anthropology Gananath Obeyesekere has passed away at the age of 95.
Latest News
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
The Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake issuing a media release states that the acceptance of nominations for the Punakiri Pradeshiya Sabha in the Kilinochchi district, Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mannar district and Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabha in the Ampara district which commenced on 24th March will end at 12noon on 27th March 2025.
The poll notice for the three above named local authorities was published on 10th March 2025 and the acceptance of deposits for the same will end at 12noon on 26th March 2025.
The annual festival of St. Anthony’s Church on the Palaitivu Island, Jaffna was successfully held on 21 and 22 Mar 25.
Demonstrating its commitment to community and social responsibility, the Sri Lanka Navy enabled facilities for the conduct of the event and
convenience of devotees.
In accordance with the directives of the Commander of the Navy and under the supervision of the Commander Northern Naval Area, the Navy provided sea transportation for the event. Additionally, they ensured the safety and convenience of devotees by providing sanitary and medical facilities, drinking water, essential infrastructure, and deploying lifesaving teams.
The main mass of the church festival was conducted by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese Very Rev. Fr. P Josephdas Jebarathnam.
This year’s event saw the participation of a gathering of priests and nuns from various regions, alongside a significant number of devotees.
The festival also highlighted the Navy’s ongoing dedication to fostering social welfare and promoting religious and cultural harmony.
(Navy Media)
Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere passes away aged 95
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
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