'We Received Intel On Potential Threats Three Weeks Ago & Action Was Taken' - Sri Lanka's Police Chief

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Police Chief disclosed that authorities were aware of the US Security Alert issued by the US Embassy to its citizens, and that they were kept informed about it by the intelligence services.

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya said that a special security program was implemented in response to potential threats arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"With the beginning of the war situation in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, and by October 2024 the war between two sides has spread to other areas. As there were concerns that this situation may pose a threat to Sri Lanka, and as the intelligence services engaged in thorough surveillance operations, by the 7th of October we obtained intelligence reports that an attack would likely target some foreign nationals in the country."

This intelligence prompted extensive discussions within the National Security Council, led by the President, over the past three weeks, he said.

Based on these discussions, a special security program was implemented to ensure the safety of foreign nationals, their locations, and sites used for religious events by these individuals. 

The Acting Police Chief said that the program involved police stations, the police special task force, and intelligence personnel.

"We also maintained regular contact with the Consular Generals as well. As per the US Security Advisory that was issued, we were aware of that and the intelligence units also kept us informed. Accordingly, we implemented a special security plan from yesterday," Weerasooriya added.

The National Security Council, which met again this morning, included the commanders of the three-armed forces, intelligence heads, the defense secretary, the President's Secretary, and the secretary to the ministry of public security. 

They had reviewed the situation and provided further instructions to ensure the security of foreign nationals.

"We have informed the embassies, and the embassies also responded positively to the proper implementation of the security efforts. We did not observe any threat to locals. However, we urge the public to inform the police if they get to know about any incident, act of terror, or any person with threats," Weerasooriya stated.

The special security plan, which began at 5 AM today, included searches and other measures.

However, no suspicious persons or items were found.