Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando on Thursday stepped down from his post amid allegations of mishandling intelligence reports that came before the Easter Sunday attack.
Fernando's decision comes a day after Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked him to resign.
The office of Sirisena has said that Fernando would serve in the post until a replacement is appointed, reported Al Jazeera.
The call for resignations came amid reports of mounting criticism against the Sri Lankan government over its failure to curtail the massacre, despite detailed warnings.
CNN reported that warnings were shared with Sri Lankan security services, including one memo addressed to the IG, prior to the attacks. However, no measures were taken to thwart the deadly terror attacks which killed more than 350 people, including 10 Indians.
Shortly after the attacks, Sirisena, as well as Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, claimed that they had no clue about the warnings.
Also Read
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka has warned people of additional attacks, and has urged them to "avoid large crowds"
"Sri Lankan authorities are reporting that additional attacks may occur targeting places of worship. Avoid these areas over the weekend, starting tomorrow, April 26th through Sunday, April 28th. Continue to remain vigilant and avoid large crowds," tweeted US Embassy in Sri Lanka.
Israel has also urged its citizens in Sri Lanka to leave the country, citing an "elevated concrete threat" following the deadly Easter Sunday bombings.
On April 21, eight explosions rattled Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikede and Batticaloa as the Christian community celebrated Easter Sunday. At least 359 people were killed and over 500 others were injured in the serial blasts.
.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content