Sri Lanka Identifies Outfit Behind Blasts; All Suicide Bombers Lankan Nationals

The series of blasts which left Sri Lanka devastated leaving 290 dead and more than 500 injured yesterday left everyone wondering who is responsible for it.

Since no group claimed responsibility for the attack, it was very difficult to begin investigation.

The Sri Lankan police, however, have arrested 24 people after the attack and now the government of the island nation said that a local outfit identified as the National Tawheed Jamath is suspect to be behind the blasts on Easter, the Sri Lankan minister said on Monday.

Speaking at the press conference, the minister said that the Chief of National Intelligence had warned the Inspector General of Police of the probable attack before April 11.

AFP

¡°On April 4, international intelligence agencies had warned of these attacks. The IGP was informed on April 9,¡± Senaratne said.

The minister said the a local outfit identified as the National Tawheed Jamath which is radical Muslim group is suspected to be responsible for the blasts.

¡°There may be international links to them,¡± he added.

Reuters

The minister also sought resignation of the police chief Punjith Jayasundera in wake of major lapse in security. Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem said that it¡¯s failure that despite having inputs, the blasts couldn¡¯t be prevented.

¡°They have known this..., the names have been given, identified, but (they) took no action,¡± he added.

AP

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama and the National Shoora Council - the two Muslim groups have condemned the blasts and offered condolences to the Christian community.

The country is getting support from world over after the terror attacks and Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara also penned down an emotional appeal to people to be non-judgmental and grieve for the people who died.