• Public Security Min. denies CBK’s security detail reduction 

The Government stated that it currently spends around Rs. 1,100 million annually for the Police protection given to former Presidents while noting that the committee appointed to examine the matter will assess security-related needs and suggest necessary adjustments. 

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press conference yesterday (6), Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised that enhanced security detail would be provided to those identified by the said committee as having “special security concerns.” He noted that the Government will be submitting a Cabinet paper based on the recommendations of the committee, and that security will be provided proportionately to all the former Presidents accordingly.

He also pointed out that the current expenditure on protecting former leaders surpasses that of maintaining the Police Hospital, a situation which is unacceptable. “This is something that should not happen. This should be stopped,” Herath asserted, underlining the Government's intention to curb unnecessary spending.

In response to a query about former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's recent letter to the Ministry of Public Security, where she claimed that her security detail had been significantly reduced, Herath clarified that no such action has been taken. “Currently, the former Presidents, especially Kumaratunga, have claimed that their security is being removed. No such removal has taken place. She has sent a letter claiming that her security has been reduced to 30, which is incorrect. She has been provided with 57 personnel so far,” he explained.

Herath further disclosed that all the other former Presidents (except Kumaratunga) currently have over 100 security personnel assigned to them, along with access to specialised vehicles, including defenders.