Six individuals, including a foreign national, have been taken into custody over potential threats to national security and tourist safety, Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath announced.
The arrests were made following intelligence reports related to a potential attack on the Arugam Bay area and incidents involving the photographing of strategic economic locations in Colombo.
Herath said the group includes a Maldivian national and five Sri Lankans, all currently under investigation. “Recently, we received information about a possible threat to our foreign tourists,” Herath said. “We acted immediately to ensure the national security of the country and the safety of foreign visitors.”
The minister indicated that while the suspects have been apprehended, authorities have not yet determined the specifics of the plan or its intended scope. He emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary speculation. “Based on the information gathered from the six arrested and the ongoing investigations, there is not enough to draw conclusions. Therefore, unnecessary misinterpretations should be avoided,” Herath said.
Herath also highlighted the swift response from security forces and coordination with the three-member ministerial security council, which met under the President’s direction. “We have already taken all necessary actions,” he said, assuring the public of ongoing measures to maintain security.
