Public Security Minister Declares Easter Attacks a 2017 Conspiracy, Not Isolated Incident

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced in Parliament today (09) that investigations have revealed the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks were not an isolated incident, but rather a conspiracy planned since 2017. The Minister stated that findings indicate former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, known as ‘Pillayan’, allegedly possessed prior knowledge of the attacks. Furthermore, evidence has emerged pointing to an individual and a group who operated above Zahran Hashim, directing his actions. Minister Wijepala noted that a significant number of cases related to the attacks are currently being heard in court, which restricts his ability to disclose all details at this time. This statement was made during the 13th parliamentary debate concerning the Easter Sunday attacks.