Army Commander Denies Claims Intelligence Agencies Have been Weakened: Adds President & PM Did Not Interfere In Investigations

Army Commander Lt. General Mahesh Senanayake denied claims that the intelligence units of the country have been weakened due to action against some intelligence officers.

Testifying before the Parliamentary Select Committee probing Easter Sunday Attacks, Senanayake said the arrests of several individuals could not weaken the intelligence arms.

“No one can say the terrorist threat is over. That is incorrect," Senanayake added.

"However, the situation has been contained, there is always a possibility of a ‘lone wolf’ attacks," he said explaining the current status of the country's security.

The Army Commander also explained the incident where former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen spoke to him on the arrest of a terror suspect.

He confirmed that neither the Prime Minister nor the President has interfered in his investigations thus far.

However, when the Army Commander was questioned on matters relating to the intelligence services, the media was asked to leave the comittee room.