Thirty six Srilankans Linked with IS – Defence Secretary

Secretary of Defence, Karunasena Hettiarachchi says reports have been  received that 36 Sri Lankans have entered Syria illegally. He said information uncovered suggests several Lankans are linked with Islamic State militants.A group of children, females and males are reported to have entered Syria under the pretence of engaging in a religious pilgrimage. The Defence Secretary said he was not in possession of details of how the group left the island.It was revealed earlier that 45 Sri Lankans of 9 families were linked with the IS. Details were uncovered pertaining to the involvement of Lankans following the death of a resident of Galewala in clashes in Syria.The deceased was identified as Abu Shura Shaailani from Galewala, Srilanka.