Security has been beefed up at the Bandaranaike and Mattala airports after a threatening email was received over a possible attack, a senior official told Daily Mirror.

 

However, following an immediate probe, it was later declared as a false alarm.

 

Although the information received is unconfirmed and most like false, as precaution security at the airports has been beefed up, sources confirmed.

 

It was reported that the Civil Aviation Authority had informed the authorities to tighten security following the unconfirmed e-mail.

 

Airport security and  Sri Lanka Air Force who are providing security in the outer perimeter are on extra vigilance over the threat and special police teams and the Police Special Task Force have also been deployed in addition to Special Forces and Commando security at the airports, sources said.

 

A senior officer said that the authorities are on alert especially in the wake of the situation in Afghanistan.

 

It is reported that the authorities have been instructed by all intelligence agencies to immediately pay attention to the possibility of groups affiliated with ISIS and Taliban ideologies becoming active in Sri Lanka.

 

However, Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services Major General (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri denied the claim and said there was no such situation reported at airports. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)