Sri Lanka Alleges ‘Radical’ Group Operating in Eastern Region – Is ISIS Reestablishing a Foothold?

Six years after the Easter bombing Sri lanka and it’s economy still hasn’t emerged from the repercussions of the deadly attack. Recently, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Media, Nalinda Jayatissa, has revealed that intelligence authorities are closely observing a “radical faction” reportedly active in Kalmunai, situated in the Eastern Province. His remarks follow a report by the Sunday Times, citing Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, who asserted that intelligence bodies, including the State Intelligence Service (SIS) and military intelligence, have been tracking a radical faction engaged in disseminating extremist doctrines.

“At present, we possess intelligence indicating that a group is operating within the Eastern Province,” Jayatissa stated. “Security and intelligence agencies are currently engaged in gathering additional insights. As of now, we can confirm that security forces remain alert regarding their activities.” — Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed.

“Monitoring of specific religious establishments has uncovered that children, in particular, were being indoctrinated with extremist beliefs,” Wijepala stated. “These radical ideologies stand in contrast to the principles of minority religion in Sri lanka”. Its not to be forgotten at this point that ISIS uses women and children as suicide bombers.

He specifically pointed to Kalmunai as a focal point for such activities and affirmed that security forces had intensified oversight. “The majority of these activities have been traced back to the Kalmunai region, prompting SIS and military intelligence units to enhance their surveillance efforts,” he added.

5 years !!!

Despite these assertions, Kalmunai residents claimed that a group has been operating in the area for five years, yet no arrests have been made in connection with terrorism-related offenses. Instead, reports suggest that the faction in question has been advocating against “formal education, professional employment, and extravagant wedding expenditures.” Minister Jayatissa further highlighted that Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been actively engaging with senior officials on critical national security matters, including the growing influence of organized crime networks and their suspected political affiliations. He emphasized that intelligence agencies have identified both the Eastern and Northern provinces as key areas of concern, suggesting that further security operations may be forthcoming.

The mention of Islamist-linked radical activity stirs memories of Sri Lanka’s past security lapses, particularly the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which claimed over 250 lives in a coordinated wave of suicide attacks targeting churches and high-end hotels.

Security agencies had previously come under intense scrutiny for their inability to thwart the attacks despite multiple prior warnings, with some reports indicating that authorities failed to take decisive action.