Sri Lankan Authorities Conduct Security Check on Flight from Chennai Amid Terror Suspicions

Security Alert in Colombo

On Saturday, Sri Lankan police conducted a thorough search of a flight that had just landed in Colombo from Chennai. This action was prompted by intelligence suggesting that a suspect connected to the recent Pahalgam terror attack might be aboard, according to a police spokesperson.

Sri Lankan Airlines confirmed that the flight arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport at 11:59 AM and was subjected to an extensive security check upon its arrival.

The search was executed in collaboration with local authorities after receiving an alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre about a suspect wanted in India who was thought to be on the flight.

After a detailed inspection, the aircraft was cleared for further operations, although the next flight to Singapore experienced delays.

No arrests were made by the Katunayake police following the search, as stated by Senior Superintendent Buddhika Manatunga.

The Katunayake police station is responsible for the area surrounding the international airport.

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists.

Indian authorities initially identified five terrorists involved in the attack, including three from Pakistan. India has vowed to take severe action against those responsible, citing cross-border connections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 24, promised to hold accountable those behind the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing that the assault was not just on unarmed tourists but on the very essence of India.

During a high-level meeting with military leaders on April 29, Modi assured that the armed forces would have full operational freedom to determine the response to the terror incident.