Security to be tightened countrywide after August 15

- Committee to assess threats to presidential candidates after nominations

- Police assessing estimated expenses for election

Colombo, August 6 (Daily Mirror) - Security across the country will be tightened after August 15 in preparation for the Presidential Election, the Public Security Ministry said.

In the absence of the Inspector General of Police, Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka has been granted full authority to oversee security arrangements for the election.

The President's Secretary has formally notified the Election Commission of these developments, ensuring that all police orders, officer deployments, logistical arrangements, and financial disbursements during the election period will be managed by the Secretary.

The Secretary said that senior DIGs in each province are overseeing security measures in each district under the direction of Senior DIG Asanka Karavita, who is in charge of elections.

Meanwhile, steps will be taken to conduct threat assessments on all candidates contesting in the Presidential Election and to provide necessary security, the Ministry of Public Security said.

Gunathilaka told the Daily Mirror that after nominations for the Presidential Election are concluded, a coordinator will be appointed for each candidate to discuss security measures.

As of Monday, a total of 16 candidates have placed cash deposits for the Presidential Election.

"We will conduct a threat assessment for each candidate, and the committee responsible for ensuring their safety will determine the appropriate level of security," the Secretary said.

Earlier, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the President to appoint a committee dedicated to ensuring candidate safety.

The committee includes the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security as Chair, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of National Intelligence, and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police/Elections.

Meanwhile, regarding election costs, the Secretary said that they are currently assessing expenses and will submit a cost estimate to the Election Commission.