Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said not all individuals named in a recent media report on VIP security are currently receiving police protection. Responding to a question during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said a report submitted by the Senio…
Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said not all individuals named in a recent media report on VIP security are currently receiving police protection. Responding to a question during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said a report submitted by the Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of VIP Security to the Inspector General of Police states that several individuals mentioned in the report are not being provided VIP security. He named former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala, Mohamed Rizvi Sally, Sarath Kumara, Ajith Shantha Priyadarshana, Ruwan Wijeyweera, Thilanka U. Gamage, Sunil Biyanwila, Dinesh Hemantha, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, H.L. Dharmasena and Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera as individuals who are not currently receiving VIP security. His comments came after a journalist referred to a newspaper report published last week claiming that 13 politicians and several other individuals continued to receive VIP security despite a reduction in police protection for other VIPs. Jayatissa said some current and former Members of Parliament, particularly those representing the Northern and Eastern Provinces, continue to receive police protection based on threat assessments conducted by the State Intelligence Service. He explained that under Police Circular No. 2687/2020, individuals seeking police protection must first submit a request, after which the State Intelligence Service carries out a threat assessment. A committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security then makes recommendations on whether VIP security should be granted. The Minister said police protection is provided based on intelligence assessments and established procedures. (Newswire)