Courtesy The Island

September 6, 2019, 10:07 pm 

One-time PA National List MP and Ambassador to Teheran M. M. Zuhair, yesterday, urged the government to inquire into National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa’s allegations pertaining to clandestine US operations here. If the former JVPer was trying to take political advantage, the government should deal with him accordingly.

President’s Counsel Zuhair issued the following statement in response to queries posed by The Island: “The alleged refusal by six US nationals to subject five of their ‘mystery’ boxes to scanning and security clearance at the Bandaranaike International Airport and also later at Hilton Colombo Residences on 30 July 2019 comes as a shock at a time of heightened security threats in the country and warrants a credible investigation to ascertain the contents of the boxes and whether the US personnel were entitled to any privileges of non-disclosure.

“Sri Lanka’s state agencies are yet to complete their investigations, as to how the terrorists came by the improvised explosives believed to have been used in the terrible 21/04 suicide attacks. The US, Britain and India are among countries that have, over several decades, supported terrorist movements, the first two the world over. In Syria, the US had air dropped arms and ammunition to rebel forces fighting to forcibly topple the Assad regime. Some weapons had reportedly ended up with the ISIS.

“Sri Lankan authorities have a huge obligation to satisfy themselves that the baggage did not contain for instance ‘urea nitrate’ allegedly used in Israeli conflicts. We need to be alert to the possibilities of dangerous weapons and explosives reaching violent extremists in the country. Most weapons and explosives come from foreign sources and strict checks at entry points are absolutely essential to prevent a recurrence of 21/04.

“On 20th December 2015 a 40 year old Israeli national was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport having travelled from Bombay to Sri Lanka on a fake Iranian passport. He was deported without a full investigation and without taking action under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act. Knowing well the state of relations between the two countries, the Sri Lankan intelligence agencies should have found why the Israeli was masquerading into Sri Lanka as an Iranian, possibly to use this country for the Israeli operations against Iran!

“Addressing the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) held in Colombo in September 2014, former leader of the JVP Somawansa Amarasinghe said the “ugly alliance of imperialism and Zionism has caused unprecedented destruction in the Middle East and elsewhere. It encourages separatism and division of countries. It created Al Qaeda, ISIS and many other terrorist organisations and spreads terrorism throughout the world”.

“Nothing prevented the six US military personnel from subjecting their baggage to scanning even if they were accredited diplomats. Diplomatic bags containing diplomatic communications and correspondence are protected from being opened. Personal baggage of accredited diplomats cannot be used for smuggling prohibited or restricted goods.

The leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF) Wimal Weerawansa has brought this serious violation of Sri Lanka’s national security to public attention. He must complain to the IG Police and seek an immediate investigation.”