Govt. didn't expect an attack of this magnitude : Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando while referring to the Easter Sunday attacks has said that the government did not expect an attack of this magnitude.

"It was quite impossible to protect a large number of churches last Sunday despite receiving prior information to these attacks," the Defence Secretary told international media yesterday (Apr 23).

Meanwhile, Mr. Fernando said that extensive measures to prevent last Sunday's attacks despite being informed of it previously would have been impossible . "An emergency law is non-functional in this country since Sri Lanka is a democratic country. Therefore there is very little I can do" the Defence Secretary claimed.

Mr. Fernando noted that the state intelligency service had already informed the government of a small but organised and powerful criminal group operating in the country. However, he observed that the FBI has already commenced investigations into the incident while the INTERPOL is expected to arrive in the country today.

The Defence Secretary also said that the government will not provide protection to hotels since it is an aspect which must be looked after by their respective security officials. He said that the government had not provided security to hotels even during the war.