More than two weeks have passed since Sri Lanka suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks in its history. The suicide blasts on Easter Sunday, which targeted churches and prominent hotels, were said to be executed by local terrorists with possible links to Islamic State. The Sri Lankan government, led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, are focused on restructuring the security and intelligence apparatus of the island nation to foreclose the chances of further attacks. In separate interviews with THE WEEK, Sirisena and Wickremesinghe listed the measures taken by their government to tackle the terrorist menace.
Excerpts:
What now after the attacks? Has the country been secured now?
It has now been more than 10 days after the attacks. We have been successful in thwarting more attacks. The security forces are carrying out investigations, raids and necessary missions all over the island and the country is now returning to normal.
Are there many more suspects linked to Islamic State in Sri Lanka?
The nature of terrorism is such that we cannot say who will get attacked where. I can’t say whether Islamic State supporters are here or not. I don't think even the US or Russian president will be able to say such a thing under such circumstances. As you know, Europe, Indonesia, Canada, Australia and many other powerful countries have been victims of terrorism. Therefore, I must say that this is not Sri Lanka's problem alone. This is a problem, in fact, to the entire world. Even India, a country that is highly advanced in terms of military might and is highly secured, has been subjected to attacks.
What do you have to say about Islamic State? Your message to your people and the international community?
Islamic State terrorism peaked during 2015-17. However, with the attacks launched by the powerful nations of the world, this organisation became weak. It seems now they are targeting smaller nations like ours. And I believe that all the nations of the world should be prepared to face this challenge. I believe that Islamic State needs to be destroyed. It needs to be eliminated. Me and my country's security forces are committed to achieving this end. I am confident that we will be able to do so. We must understand that terrorism has not won anywhere in the world. Terrorist organisations like al Qaeda have been destroyed.
Was there intelligence failure leading to the attacks? And why were you kept out of the loop?
The defence secretary and the inspector general of police were informed and letters were exchanged, although I was not apprised of the situation at that time. They did not fulfil their responsibilities properly. I have taken action to remove them and appoint new people in their positions. However, I don’t think it was done deliberately. It was due to lack of understanding, negligence and lack of commitment to their duties.
Are there suspects linked to Islamic State still at large in Sri Lanka?
The nature of terrorism is such that we cannot say who will get attacked where. I can’t say whether Islamic State supporters are here or not. I don't think even the presidents of the US or Russia will be able to clearly say such a thing under such circumstances. Europe, Indonesia, Canada, Australia and many other powerful countries have been victims of terrorism. Therefore, I must say that this is not a problem for Sri Lanka alone. This is a problem for the entire world.
Were the attacks a political conspiracy to tarnish your reputation?
Over the course of my term in the last four years, peace has prevailed in Sri Lanka. I have launched a battle against the drug menace, which is a major problem. As far as I know, other than the leader of Philippines, I am the only head of state who has taken a firm stand against the drug menace. I have launched a comprehensive programme to fight illegal narcotics. There is a close connection between drugs and international terrorism. On the other hand, religious extremist terrorism and international underworld and drugs are interconnected. We can consider the possibility that there may have been a hidden force which expedited this attack, in view of these realities in Sri Lanka. However, we need to look at all aspects connected to these attacks. Why was Sri Lanka targeted? Why did they choose the Christian community? And why did they attack hotels and have a forceful impact on our economy and tourism industry?
India shared intelligence with you. Is it true that the intelligence was shared several times, even just hours before the attack?
India had provided certain information to the Sri Lankan Intelligence forces. And this information was passed on to the higher officials, namely the defence secretary and the inspector general of police. However, they did not inform other relevant parties or take necessary action. They have been removed from office and I will be taking necessary action with regard to their conduct.
The entire security apparatus has been reshuffled now. Do you think it will improve investigation?
I believe it has already. A new defence secretary has been appointed. He is a former army commander and also a director of intelligence services in the past. The new inspector general of police will also be appointed and I have already taken certain measures to reorganise the security forces and intelligence services, for the safety and security of the public. Our army was able to win a war that went on for 30 years. So, I always tell my security forces to ensure people trust them. My security forces and I will take all necessary actions to wipe terrorism off the face of my country.
A three-member committee has been appointed to probe into the intelligence failure. What is the progress?
The blasts occurred on April 21, and the very next day, I appointed the special committee headed by a justice of the Supreme Court. They have been empowered through a gazette notification which was published. Their mandate is to look into this matter and report to me within two weeks. An interim report has already been submitted, which was forwarded to the advocate general for future action. Of the two weeks given to this committee, only five days remain. Once the committee submits its final report, necessary action will be taken as per the recommendations made in it.
Your critics raise questions about your inefficiency.
On September 11, 2001, a brutal terror attack took place in the US in which over 2,700 people died. But no one asked president George W. Bush to resign. Instead, Bush gathered his forces to face the threat of terrorism. Similarly, leaders of many other countries faced the challenge and overcame terrorism on their soil after facing terror attacks. I don’t care about fingers pointed at me because I do not have a political agenda. I am fully committed to fulfilling my duty and responsibility towards my country.
The Rajapaksas say that if they were in power, this would not have happened.
They represent the opposition. It is very easy for them to say whatever they feel like saying. There have been five presidents before me, and during their terms, too, bombs had gone off. We are a nation which suffered from war for 30 years and we have so many experiences with bombs. So pointing fingers is very easy. But, right now, what is important is that we face the challenges before us.
Islamic fundamentalism is a major issue in Sri Lanka. Hasn’t radicalisation been happening over the years?
At this point, it is very important that we take proper care of the Muslim community in the country. When the LTTE terrorist attacks began in the early 1980s, a lot of Sinhalese wondered whether the Tamils were supporters of the LTTE. However, it changed later. Similarly, we have to understand that only a very small number of people are involved in these extremist activities. We must not push the regular Muslim community into difficulty. We must be able to create an environment where all ethnic groups are able to live in harmony. We must be able to take necessary measures to remove suspicion, fear and mistrust among different groups.
Did NTJ actually have connections with the Islamic State?
According to intelligence reports, there is a connection between this local organisation and the Islamic State. Over the past few years, some of the members of this organisation from Sri Lanka have travelled abroad to receive training. Also, on two occasions, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Sri Lanka.
But there has been communal strife in Sri Lanka, which has led to radicalisation.
Today there is extremism all over the world, be it in Europe, the western hemisphere or in Asia. I think the destruction of the global balance of power has contributed to this. For instance, there was balance of power between the Soviet Union and the United States back in the day. But with Gorbachev, this was destroyed. Therefore, in a way, world leaders are responsible for the disruption in the balance in power, and it has fuelled extremist ideology. On the other hand, terrorists do not produce their own weapons. Weapons are manufactured in some of the most powerful nations in the world. If we can stop manufacturing powerful weapons, there could be some contribution towards ending terrorism.
You are connecting global balance of power to the communal strife in your country. But doesn’t this show the inefficiency of your government?
It is not right to say that the government is incompetent. Those who occupy the responsible positions should be able to execute their duties. Two people have clearly been negligent in executing their duties and today the nation is struck with an incomprehensible tragedy. It is easy to point fingers and say such things. However, the ground situation is different. The security chiefs should have taken action to inform me and the prime minister. That was not been done. Even my private security officers were not been apprised of the situation.
People in the Rajapaksa camp say there was a military intelligence unit to monitor Muslims and you dismantled it after coming to power.
During the Rajapaksa period from 2013 to 2015, many organisations and institutions with which they were associated were in question. Those organisations were given legal recognition through private members' motions passed in the parliament. There have been lapses during their regime as well. It was because of certain shortcomings that the people decided in 2015 that they wanted a change in government.
What kind of working relationship do you have with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe?
We have a regular relationship that any president and prime minister would have. We meet at the cabinet. And I go to the parliament whenever it is required under the provisions of the constitution. In fact, even yesterday I went to the prime minister's office to meet him. Similarly, he comes to my office to meet me. At the national security council meetings, we sit together and discuss matters pertaining to the country’s security.
There have been calls for your resignation. Will you step down taking responsibility for the attacks?
(Laughs) No head of state has ever stepped down in the manner that you describe. What any head of state in my position has ever done is to step up to the challenge and fight terrorism. That is what I intend to do. Also, I have no confidence, that in the event of my resignation, a suitable successor can be appointed.
Will you again run for president?
The nominations have not been called yet. So it is difficult to say right now. I can say whether I will contest only after the nominations are called.
What is your personal opinion about Mahinda Rajapaksa? You wanted him to become the prime minister then.
He is the former president and I defeated him in the last presidential election.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa says he will run for the president.
The presidential election is to be held at the end of this year and right now there are almost 100 candidates. But we do not know how many of them will give nominations. It will all depend on the vote of the people.
How's your relationship with India?
India and Sri Lanka are close friends. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a good friend of mine. In fact, after Modi became prime minister, he has visited Sri Lanka four times. Similarly, I have visited India on five occasions. I believe that this relationship has been strengthened further recently. India has offered us their support and cooperation in terms of economic development and also national and regional security. In international fora, India has always been our friend.