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SDIG admits no written reports submitted to Defence Secy on possible terrorist attacks
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Former SIS Director SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena, on Wednesday, admitted before the PCoI investigating the Easter Sunday attacks that he hadn’t sent written reports on possible terrorist attacks, between April 01 and 20, to the former defence secretary, Hemasiri Fernando.
This was revealed when Counsel Dilshan Jayasuriya appearing for Fernando cross-examined SDIG Jayewardena.
Jayasuriya asked SDIG Jayewardena whom he reported to as the Former SIS Director, Jayewardena said that he had reported directly to the Defence Secretary. Fernando served as the Defence Secretary from 22 November 2018 till two days after the Easter Sunday attacks.
SDIG Jayewardena also said that he had been close to Fernando professionally and that there were times that they spoke on the phone two to three times a day. On average they would speak on the phone 80 times a month, the witness said.
Jayasuriya asked SDIG Jayewardena whether he had, in writing, conveyed to Fernando information he received from a foreign counterpart about a possible terrorist attack by Zahran Hashim and his associates between April 01 and 20. Jayewardena said that while he had not sent a report to Fernando, he called the former Defence Secretary to inform him of the intelligence information on April 07.
“I received the information on April 04, 2019 and during the next few days I did a record check and sent an SIS team to the East. On April 07, I called Fernando and conveyed the information and obtained permission to inform former CNI Sisira Mendis of it. CNI gets intelligence reports from many Sri Lankan agencies, so I thought he could make a better decision.”
Counsel Jayasuriya then alleged that SDIG Jayewardena had not informed Fernando of the attacks over the phone. Jayewardena said that he had evidence to prove his claim.
“There really is no need to provide intelligence or information in writing to people in the same field. Sometimes, a call or even a hand signal is enough. It is only after April 21 that everyone is obsessed over letters.”
Counsel Jayasuriya then asked the witness whether he agreed that the SIS had no clue about a possible terrorist attack until a foreign intelligence agency tipped them off. SDIG Jayewardena said that while they had not been aware of the planned terrorist attack, SIS had been informed of the danger posed by Zahran Hashim from 2017 and had urged relevant agencies to arrest him.
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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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