The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), on Friday (17), informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva that an inquiry has been initiated into 15 suspects identified as having allegedly provided financial and logistical support to extremists linked to the Easter attacks, and worked to expand ISIS terrorist networks within the country.
The TID told the Court that complaints have been filed against 15 individuals, and a formal investigation has commenced based on a complaint received by the Head of the Terrorism and Financial Investigation Division.
According to the investigation, these suspects are alleged to have assisted members of the organisation responsible for the Easter attacks by facilitating extremist lectures and providing financial support, including assistance to foreign ISIS-affiliated terrorist organisations attempting to establish a presence locally.
Investigating officers told the Court that some of these suspects had already been indicted before the High Court in connection with their alleged role in supporting the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019.
The inquiry will also examine their participation in Al-Qaeda and ISIS-related extremist lectures, as well as any financial contributions made to these terrorist groups.
After reviewing the submissions, the Additional Magistrate instructed the TID to ensure rapid progress in the investigation and to submit regular updates to the Court.