The Ministry of Defence categorically denied news stories circulating on certain social media, claiming a move to remove all armed forces personnel presently stationed to provide security at temples and places of worship around the country.  

As the government has not made any decision to withdraw armed forces personnel presently attached for security duties to temples or places of worship, the allegations circulating are baseless.  

This special press briefing was conducted by the Director Media and Spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Colonel Nalin Herath, with the presence of the Director General Media and Spokesman of Sri Lanka Army Major General Rasika Kumara and the Deputy Director Project of Civil Defence Force Colonel Dumil Pathirana at the Ministry of Defence.