Attacks of this magnitude were not expected: Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando said yesterday the Defence Ministry never expected an attack of this magnitude except for some isolated incidents in certain places.
Asked about the government being privy to intelligence on imminent terrorist attacks, Fernando maintained that the information received was unclear.
Speaking to the media following a visit to the St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Fernando said “Intelligence never indicated that it’s going to be an attack of this magnitude. They were talking about isolated incidents. Besides, there is no emergency in this country. We cannot request the armed forces to come and assist as, we can only depend on the police.” He said all departments of the police had been informed and alerted.
Responding to allegations that the Sri Lankan people have been failed by the intelligence services, Fernando said Sri Lanka had experienced similar tragic situations, despite security checks in place.
“It’s not the first time a bomb went off in this country. During the height of the war, when emergency regulations were in force and road blocks installed at every two kilometers, bombs went off. Why are you trying to isolate this unfortunate incident?”
The Secretary confirmed that Sri Lankan authorities will receive the assistance of the FBI, Interpol and Australian Police in the investigations into Sunday’s deadly attacks that claimed 290 lives. He said that he was unable to divulge information as it would hamper ongoing investigations. “The FBI is here today and the Interpol will arrive tomorrow,” he said.
Commenting on the state of the country’s security Fernando said many countries have faced similar security issues in the past. “It happened in New Zealand, unexpectedly. We need to make sure that similar things will not take place in the future,” he said.
He added that discussions were held with the President and Prime Minister to avert similar incidents. “I can’t take confidence with terrorism. No country in the world can assure that it’s not going to happen. But we’re trying our best. We wish to uncover every link into this incident,” he said.
The Secretary of Defence also cautioned the public to remain calm and peaceful and to let the armed forces, police and the government to handle the situation.
(Source: Daily Mirror – By Kalani Kumarasinghe)
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Isn’t it time to retire, my friend?
if you “Defence Ministry never expected an attack of this magnitude”, there is certainly something terribly wrong with the Defence Ministry.
Go home, my dear friend, we, the taxpayers will be burdened with your pension for life after your miserable performance.
It is because you were a stupid minister not fit to do your job. Your job is all about expecting the unexpected. Anybody with the organ called a brain inside their head and ability to remember, involved in the nations security shouldn’t have forgotten what it was like some 10-12 years ago!
Amazing thing is you don’t feel the shame to go out and tell ‘it is not expected on this scale’.
I am sad to note clowns such as the Defence Secretary in the picture is paid big bucks and provided luxury cars and quarters in Cbo 7 with my tax money.
Who employed these arseh****?
This guy is a joker, par excellence.
Hope he is not requested by international media to answer questions.
We will show the world how stupid we are.
Shame Mr Fernando, go home, what to do, we will pay your bloody pension.
One of the suspects now arrested was already arrested in January 2019. The Police found over 100 kilos explosives and detonators. You were informed about it later he was released. WHY? Mr. Defence Secretary now you can see the sadness and suffering you have brought to Sri Lanka.
Hey Fernando,
Have you not retired yet, idiot max Fernando?
Who appointed you? Was it the Pambay** who appointed you?
Bye Bye Fernando, we have to fuc**** pay your pension !!!!
Mr.Fernando so becauae you expected minor incidents of bombing at random places of worship, you didn’t care. If only you knew what you are talking about you will jump in the ocean. What an irresponsible uttering .Veny sure your brain isn’t placed in the right place.
The big issue is not the ‘small unknown radical Muslim group’ in SL.
THE ISSUE IS : ONCE AGAIN EXPLOSIVES, DETONATORS (AND PERHAPS WEAPONS TOO) COMING TO THE COUNTRY under Ranil’s government, none of the security or intelligence (the skeleton of what left over now) agencies seems to be aware !!!
Security personnel are demoralized by Ra Blue moth** Fu****. Public shall not expect much from them. All this time all good things done by them were criticized. And defunct LTTE was praised. This is the cumulative result. Blame you before you cling to a slip of the tongue of Defence Sec.
See this idiot statement. How such a person came to this position. Not only sack , these guys should punished .
See this idiot’s statement. How such a person came to this position. Not only sack , these guys should be punished .
The Defence Minister has undertaken to change Heads of all Security Institutions within the next 24 hours.
I wonder if this would happen or is just another like “I will never appoint RW PM even if all 225 MP’s vote for him”.
Anyway, Mr Fernando is a national embarrassment; I watched a video of him speaking with an overseas correspondent; this Hemasiri is a national disgrace.
I suggest Onlanka forward these comments to Mr Hemasiri and hope he not only reads them but understand public sentiment as well.
We have many people like Mr Hemasiri in public service and that is why public service in Sri Lanka is rotten to the core.