Sri Lank blames local Islamist org for Easter massacre. Western intelligence skeptical

The Sri Lankan government Monday assigned responsibility for the multiple bombing attacks that killed 290 people on Sunday to the National Thawheeth Jamaath (NTJ), a small local Muslim group. Western Intelligence sources responded that no small local organization could have orchestrated and executed this multiple, well-coordinated terrorist operation against seven churches and hotels. NTJ leaders, most of them imams and preachers are well known; some have spent years in detention.

The Sri Lankan government has declared a state of emergency in the country after discovering 87 bomb detonators in a search at Colombo’s central bus terminus.

The Indian Coast Guard is on high alert along the maritime boundary with Sri Lanka. Ships and maritime surveillance aircraft Dornier have been deployed to prevent any attempts by suicide bombing perpetrators to escape from Sri Lanka.