President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed officials to expedite investigations into those held for minor offences relating to the Easter Sunday Explosions under the Prevention of Terrorism Aact, and release those found innocent.

Instructions were given when National Security Council convened at Presidential Secretariat yesterday (19), the President's Media Division said in a statement.

Security arrangements and the prevailing situation in the country were discussed extensively during the meeting and the process to ensure the national security was also reviewed.

President emphasized the importance of continuing the current security arrangements that are in place at places of worship.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and several other Ministers, Secretary of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Commanders of tri-forces, Intelligence Officers, IGP were among those who were present at the Council meeting.