Investigations have revealed that two emails threatening a bomb explosion at the Kandy District Secretariat have been sent to its official address, originating from a South Asian country, it was reported.
According to the state newspaper Dinamina, investigations have also uncovered that similar emails had been sent from the same country in December.
The Criminal Investigation Department has now launched an inquiry into the incident. It is reported that one of the emails was received on December 23, but the District Secretary was informed about it only on the morning of December 26.
Following a complaint made by District Secretary Indika Udawatta to Central Province Deputy Inspector General of Police Sudath Masinghe, the Bomb Disposal Unit, Police K9 Division, and Special Task Force immediately searched the Secretariat premises.
After inspecting all vehicles parked within the premises, the Police announced that the information was false. Later, as routine duties resumed at the Secretariat, another email was sent to the official address, warning of an explosion before 4.00 pm.
Upon informing the Police again, several bomb disposal teams arrived, causing fear among staff. As a result, many employees left on half‑day leave, creating serious difficulties for members of the public who had come for services.
Since December 26 was the only working day for government offices after the Christmas holidays and before the weekend, the public, who had come for services such as renewing driving licenses, said they faced severe inconvenience when services could not be obtained. (Newswire)