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Heated exchange over downsizing MSD security to MPs
The House got heated up today when the opposition questioned the reduction of police security provided to the MPs.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Buddhika Pathirana said MSD personnel who had been assigned for the security of the MPs had been reduced and that it was a threat to the security of all 225 MPs.
“MSD personnel assigned for the security of the MPs have been reduced. This has been done in a situation where the drug smugglers were threatening to kill even the President and the defence secretary while being in prison,” he said. He inquired as to who takes the responsibility of the decision to remove the security. “Is it the Security Council which takes the responsibility?” he questioned.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane said he would discuss the matter with the IGP.
Meanwhile, Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, who became irritated said that police personnel were there to carry out police duties and that no police personnel would be assigned to carry files and bags of the MPs.
“We have only 85,000 police personnel to carry out police duties. 38,000 of them have been assigned to provide security to MPs and other personnel. We will provide security to the whole country. Do they request for police security because they do not have confidence in people?” he asked.
“MPs were allowed to recruit five policemen of their choice in 1989 considering the situation at that time. Additional two or three police personnel were also provided during the time of war. We have reduced the security personnel from four to two due to the shortage of police personnel for normal police duties,” he said.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)
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