The President's Media Division said a National Security Advisory Committee, headed by Opposition MP Dr. Sarath Amunugama, has been appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The PMD described the newly-appointed entity as a "professionals body." The names of other members of the committee are yet to be announced.

President Sirisena recently came under fire for inviting Opposition MPs for the National Security Council meeting while leaving out Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardena.

It was also reported that the President had instructed to exclude IGP Pujith Jayasundara from the National Security Council meeting.