Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Shani Abeyesekera, former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has revealed significant intelligence failures in the investigation of the April 21, 2019, Easter attacks in Sri Lanka. He characterized the attacks as an organized crime with a clear conspiracy behind them.

He pointed to a specific group involved in the attacks, urging further investigations to connect crucial evidence. He highlighted the importance of the testimony from Anzeer Maulana, who reported receiving a call from an attacker seeking help to evacuate from the Taj Samudra hotel on the day of the attacks. CCTV footage reportedly captured Jameel, an attacker who attempted to detonate a bomb, receiving a call before leaving the hotel.

He recounted the suspicious circumstances surrounding Jameel's subsequent behavior, including his stay at a lodge and interactions with authorities, raising questions about the adequacy of the response from intelligence units.

Additionally, he expressed concerns over misleading intelligence reports that initially misattributed earlier violent incidents to the LTTE, only to later uncover the involvement of the National Thawheed Jamath. He criticized the quality of intelligence, suggesting it not only misled investigations but also affected national security assessments.

Mr Shani Abeyesekara pointed out the need for a thorough review of intelligence practices to prevent similar failures in the future.