Sri Lanka, April 25 -- National Intelligence Head Sisira Mendis had only written to the Inspector General of Police on April 9 sharing information of an alleged planned attack, but had not informed relevant authorities including the President, Prime Minister and the State Defence Minister. "You can't escape by writing letters. Intelligence agencies are supposed to be hands on. He could have picked up the phone and contacted them directly," Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Minister and Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said.

Participating in the debate on the proclamation of a state of emergency in Parliament yesterday, Minister Kiriella queried whether those in the National Security Council and some intellige...