Training Centre of NTJ members including Zahran Cassim discovered in Nuwara Eliya

A facility belived to be used as a training centre by members of the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) group has been discovered in the Blackpool area in Nuwara Eliya today (May 06).

Details pertaining to this two-storeyed training centre had surfaced during  questioning carried out on some suspects who were arrested in connection with the NTJ group in Sainthamaruthu, Kalmunai.

It is believed that 38 members of the NTJ group including suicide bomber Zahran Cassim had received training at this facility prior to the recent terror attacks.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the final training session which was attended by Zahran had taken place on April 17 - four days prior to the deadly explosions on Easter Sunday.

The training centre had been set-up in a two storeyed building that had been purchased on rent. Police have arrested the owner of the house and two other individuals who had allegedly provided accomodation facilities at the building.