PM admits prior info was available regarding attacks ; says probe should be carried as to why authorities did not act

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that an investigation should be carried out on why the authorities did not act on prior information regarding today's attacks.

"We must look into why adequate precautions were not taken in this regard. But first and foremost we must ensure that terrorism does not lift its head in Sri Lanka," the Prime Minister said delivering a special statement this evening.

He also said that the government is prepared to take measures to contain and wipe out terrorism from the country. On the same lines, Mr. Wickremesinghe noted that assistance would be obtained from overseas as well to contain this "menace".

Responding to journalists after providing the statement, Premier Wickremesinghe admitted that information was available regarding today's attacks. Accordingly he added that this matter is being inquired in order to determine why measures were not taken to act against this warning.

He also called on the general public to maintain unity and provide assistance to the security forces in order to restore the situation back to normalcy.