Security for former Presidents to be periodically reviewed

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

In the wake of the decision to reduce the number of security personnel assigned to former Presidents, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, the police said that the committee appointed to review security will meet periodically and assess reports to determine whether the number of officers should be further reduced or increased.

In response to reports regarding the reduction of security for former Presidents, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, and concerns over potential threats or harm, the police said that Rajapaksa’s security has not been compromised as the military personnel have also been deployed alongside police officers for his protection.

Police said the decision to reduce security officers was made in accordance with the policy decision to abolish the privileges of retired Presidents, as outlined in the current government’s policy statement.

The committee appointed by the government to review the privileges of former Presidents is tasked with reviewing the security arrangements and evaluating the costs associated with assigning police officers to former Presidents’ protection.

It was revealed that the annual cost of providing security to former Presidents amounts to 1.1 billion rupees, with Rajapaksa’s security alone costing over 326 million rupees annually.

As a result, the committee has decided to reduce the number of security personnel to 60 officers for former President.

In addition, the committee will meet periodically and review assessment reports to determine if the number of officers should be increased or reduced.

The police also confirmed that armed forces personnel have been deployed for the protection of former Presidents.
Police said that this reduction in security officers comes amid a significant shortage of about 24,000 officers for general police duties in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, over 2,000 officers previously assigned to the President’s and Prime Minister’s Security Divisions have been reassigned to general police duties.

Police also clarified that no officers have been allocated to protect ministers or Members of Parliament. With fewer officers dedicated to VIP protection, police stations across the country have been able to allocate more personnel to regular law enforcement duties.