The Police conducted a special raid last night and arrested 18 people in Aluthgama, Beruwala, Katana and Warakapola areas in connection to the Easter Sunday attacks last Sunday. 

A suspicious van ( SG PH -3779) has also been apprehended by the Warakapola police. Two people have been taken into custody along with the vehicle. 

Continuous Police raids are underway to arrest members of the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), a local organization that is believed to be involved in the attacks. The Islamic State has also claimed responsibility for the explosions and the Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities are currently probing the links between the IS and the local organization. 

As of last night, 40 people were in Police custody over the Easter Sunday attacks. The majority of them were being interrogated by the Criminal Investigations Department.