The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has uncovered further details of a planned terrorist attack aimed at tourists in Arugam Bay last year, a well-known destination popular with Israeli travelers.
Details were shared with Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena by the TID yesterday ( January 17). According to the TID, the attack was organized by the perpetrators while they were imprisoned. So far, seven suspects have been arrested, including Yogaraja Nirojan, Suresh Ranjana, and W.A. Don Amarasiri, who were presented in court.
The suspects reportedly planned to execute the attack during the last Presidential Election. Preparations involved sending individuals to Arugam Bay on October 7 and 8 last year to capture videos and photographs of the area.
Investigations also revealed that Bilal Ahmed, the main suspect, had communicated with Anandan Sugadaran convicted for the 2008 Kesbewa bus bombing while both were in prison. The suspects allegedly intended to use former LTTE cadres who were released after serving their sentences to carry out the attack.
The defense lawyer, Rajinda Kandegedara, claimed that the TID or police had obtained Bilal Ahmed’s signature on certain documents. However, the Magistrate noted that no complaints about such incidents were made during his observation visits to the suspects in detention.
After hearing the evidence, the Magistrate ordered the suspects to remain in custody while awaiting further instructions from the Attorney General. Investigations into the case are ongoing.
