President Maithripala Sirisena, making a speech in Parliament a short while ago, terrorism in Sri Lanka was not a local problem, but a larger global issue. 

"Many international leaders and experts who spoke to me following the explosions on April 21 said it was a global issue. Those who blame me for the explosions have no understanding of the issue," Sirisena said. 

However, he stated that security forces have taken every possible measure to eliminate extremist militant organizations from the country. 

"Thirteen safe-houses and 41 bank accounts owned by terrorists responsible for April 21st attacks have been identified and the accounts, houses and property will be confiscated," the President said, adding that of the 56 suspects who remain in custody over their direct involvement in the Easter Sunday explosions 12 are hardcore terrorists. "This is a very serious situation," the President said. 

"We have changed the composition of the National Security Council. In addition to the regular members, we have invited various experts to SC meetings from time to time. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith also attended the SC meeting recently,"he added. 

The President also said he recently invited the entire Cabinet, as well as some opposition members, for the security council meeting. 

"I am the sixth Executive President of the country. There have been five Presidents before me. There have been explosions in this country under all of my predecessors, " he also added.