The Sri Lankan government has revealed the name and identity of the radical cleric who planned the deadly Easter attack in the country in 2019.
Sarath Weerasekera, Ministry of Public Security told the press, “Naufer Moulavi was the mastermind of the terror attack. He was assisted by Hajjul Akbar.”
Sri Lanka was rocked by coordinated multiple bomb blasts in and around capital Colombo on April 21, 2019.
There were large gatherings in churches for Easter celebrations. Christians were targeted.
As many as eight blasts happened in churches and hotels in Colombo.
More than 300 people had lost their lives, including 11 Indians.
Suicide bombers were used to trigger blasts inside the churches.
St. Anthony’s Shrine, Zion Church and St. Sebastian Church was attacked. The suicide bombers also targeted four luxury hotels in Colombo.
Total 211 suspects were arrested in a security crackdown. 32 have been charged with murder and conspiracy to murder.
Sri Lanka has about 10 per cent Muslim population. On many occasions, the government has expressed concern about the increasing security threat due to growing radicalisation.
