Sri Lanka activist Oshala Herath has shared screenshots of alleged WhatsApp messages from the SIS Director to the Defence Ministry Secretary, warning of a possible Easter attack ahead of April 21, 2019.

The messages, said to be between the Director of Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Defence Ministry Secretary, suggest that intelligence received from a foreign counterpart had pointed to plans by Zahran Hashim and associates to carry out an attack in Sri Lanka. The communication also refers to a suspected dry run involving an explosives-laden motorcycle in the East.

According to the content of the messages, the attack was believed to be likely “at any time on or before 21.4.2019,” with potential targets including churches and hotels.

According to investigations, Sri Lanka’s intelligence services had received information as early as April 4, 2019 about a potential attack.

Details presented before a Parliamentary Select Committee outline the timeline of intelligence warnings:

• April 4, 2019 – Initial intelligence received via WhatsApp from a source regarding a possible attack. Similar written information was received on April 5.

• April 7, 2019 – First disclosure made to then National Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis.

• April 8, 2019 – Information conveyed to Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, who advised informing the police.

• April 9, 2019 – Intelligence coordination meeting held with top security officials, where the threat reportedly did not receive sufficient attention.

The authenticity of the recently surfaced screenshots has not been officially confirmed by authorities. (Newswire)

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