Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct an immediate investigation into the leak of an internal Police note on the provision of security to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and to arrest those responsible for the security breach.
According to highly placed sources in the Public Security Ministry, there have been reports on several social media platforms that the President's security has been tightened, due suspicion of a possible assassination attempt.
Speaking to The Daily Morning an official of the Ministry who did not want to be named said that there are specific arrangements to be made, and procedures to be followed, when the President or Prime Minister is leaving the country for a foreign visit as well as returning to the country. He said that the same procedures have been followed as the President is scheduled to return to the country after his official visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and France.
"Generally, the relevant authorities are informed of these arrangements and procedures when the President or Premier is to leave or return to the country. Such a message received by the Police has been given to outsiders including the media without any permission. It has caused a great controversy on social media platforms," he said. According to the source, the Public Security Minister has instructed the CID to conduct an immediate investigation into those who passed this message to outsiders as well as those who circulated that message, and arrest the relevant suspects," the source said.
On 17 June, Wickremesinghe, accompanied by a delegation of top level officials, left the island for the UK and France on an official visit. During his stay in France, Wickremesinghe met with Paris Club creditors to discuss matters pertaining to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plans. He also addressed a high-level panel discussion in Paris at the Global Leaders’ Summit for a New Global Financing Pact. The President is scheduled to return to the country today (26).