The Sri Lanka Police confirmed that the committee appointed to review security arrangements for former Presidents will meet periodically to evaluate reports and determine whether the number of security personnel assigned should be further reduced or increased.
Amid reports regarding the reduction of security for former Presidents, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, police assured that Rajapaksa’s security remains uncompromised, as military personnel have also been deployed alongside police officers for his protection.
The decision to reduce security personnel aligns with the government’s policy to abolish privileges granted to retired Presidents, as outlined in its policy statement.
Cost and Security Details
- The committee revealed that the annual cost of providing security to former Presidents amounts to Rs. 1.1 billion, with Rajapaksa’s security alone costing over Rs. 326 million annually.
- As a result, the number of security personnel has been reduced to 60 officers per former President.
The committee will continue to review assessment reports and make adjustments as necessary.
Reallocation of Security Personnel
- Police highlighted a significant shortage of about 24,000 personnel for general law enforcement duties in Sri Lanka.
- Over 2,000 personnel, previously assigned to the President’s and Prime Minister’s Security Divisions, have been reassigned to general police duties.
- Police clarified that no personnel have been allocated for the protection of Ministers or Members of Parliament.
This reallocation allows police stations across the country to enhance regular law enforcement duties and address staffing shortages.
Source – dailymirror.lk
