Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen, who was accused of performing sterilization operations had received funds from National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ) organisation, former DIG in charge of Kurunegala District Kithsiri Jayalath informed the PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks.

He also told the Commission that Islamic extremists were powerful in the Kurunegala District.

He said that following several intelligence reports he had arrested Dr. Shafi and soon after the arrest he was pressured on social media as well as in various ways.

“Later I was transferred to Puttalam,” he said.

Former DIG Jayalath also said that the doctor was associated with former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.