Recommendations

The PSC recommended forming an independent and robust NSC with a National Security Advisor to address evolving security challenges. It recommended legislative reform to counter fake news and responsible reporting, reforming the education sector and greater Parliament oversight, among others. Below is the full list:

1. Reforms of security and intelligence It is important to undertake a comprehensive review of national security priorities, identify gaps and weaknesses and areas that require reform/strengthening. Key reforms are needed urgently to reform the NSC, strengthen security and intelligence operations and have a comprehensive system in place to address, mitigate and prevent future security threats.

2. Enhanced financial supervisory mechanism Establishing an enhanced financial supervisory mechanism to detect, report and action suspicious transactions so as to prevent terrorist financing activities routed through the financial system of Sri Lanka, going unnoticed.

3. Monitoring the rise of religious extremism Active measures should be taken to counter the growth of religious extremism in the country, especially in areas like Kattankudy.

4. Reforming AG’S Department The Attorney-general’s Department requires structural reforms and capacitybuilding to ensure effective and efficient responses and follow up that lead to indictments and prosecutions and avoid long delays and the denial of justice.

5. Action against Wahabism The PSC notes the increasing trends of Wahabism and Arabisation in parts of Sri Lankaand the steps required to address this. Whilst there must be recognition towards religious and cultural practices, it is essential that such practices do not infringe others’ rights and beliefs.

6. Fake news The PSC notes that given the dangerous inter-dependency among radicalisation, terrorism and the media, it is imperative to explore the impact, especially of social media on the youth in the country. The PSC urges the authorities to take immediate steps to introduce community media standards which are formulated through a transparent and consultative process and are enforced to ensure media entities are responsible for the reporting/content generation.

7. Accountability of leaders The PSC notes that the political leadership and Parliament can play a crucial role in preventing politicians and Members of Parliament misusing incidents such as the Easter Sunday attacks for political gain.

8. Educational reform Recent times have witnessed an increase in the number of young people becoming influenced and involved with violent extremists, both in Sri Lanka and globally. To counter this growing influence and involvement, there is a need to view the role of education and educational institutions in Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). People concerned over the brutal attack were yearning for justice on the part of those killed and injured. So let’s hope that this report will also not be yet another committee report, but take further action at least on available provisions of the law.