The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) informed the court on January 17 that a major terrorist attack targeting the Arugam Bay tourist area, a popular destination for Israeli tourists, was planned from inside prison. The case was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, where the TID revealed details about the conspiracy and the suspects involved.
According to the TID, the attack was allegedly orchestrated using former LTTE members who had been convicted of terrorist activities during the civil war and subsequently released after serving lengthy prison terms. These individuals, it was alleged, were recruited to assist in the attack. The plan reportedly involved local and foreign terrorists as well as extremist individuals working in collaboration to execute the attack. Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the plot.
The TID reported that three of the suspects, detained for 90 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), were presented in court on January 17. The division also submitted an updated investigation report, stating that inquiries into the suspects were ongoing. The report suggested that the plot was tied to activities during the last presidential election and involved individuals filming and collecting photographs of the Arugam Bay tourist area on October 7 and 8, 2024.
Among the seven suspects, the TID identified Yogaraja Nirojan, Suresh Ranjana, and W.A. Don Amarasiri as individuals requiring further detention and interrogation. The court was informed that the first suspect, Bilal Ahmed, had been in prison with Anandan Sugadaran, who is currently serving a sentence for the 2008 bombing of a bus at the Kesbewa depot. Investigators allege that these connections played a role in facilitating the conspiracy.
During the court proceedings, defense attorney Rajinda Kandegedara argued that the TID or police had obtained signatures on several documents from the first suspect under unclear circumstances. In response, Magistrate Amarasena noted that the suspects had been under continuous court supervision since their detention and that no complaints about misconduct had been brought to his attention during this period.
The TID further stated that the attack was meticulously planned to coincide with a politically sensitive time in Sri Lanka and was aimed at creating widespread panic and disruption. They also noted that the suspects had utilized advanced coordination methods, making the investigation complex and ongoing.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Magistrate ordered the suspects to remain in remand custody until further instructions from the Attorney General’s Department. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities continuing to probe the network of individuals and the extent of their plans to carry out the alleged attack on Arugam Bay.
