BY Buddhika Samaraweera Courtesy The Morning

• MR’s camp to challenge in SC citing security being distinct from privileges 
• States no objection to reduction of privileges including vehicles/pension  

The Government should first distinguish between privileges and security for former Presidents and avoid making decisions solely based on financial factors, said the Spokesperson for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, attorney Manoj Gamage.

Recently, the National People’s Power Government revised former Presidents’ security arrangements by reducing the number of Police officers in their security details and withdrawing the assigned military personnel.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Gamage said that they would challenge the Government’s decisions regarding Rajapaksa’s security arrangements in the Supreme Court (SC) within a week, adding that the necessary legal consultations have already been completed. 

The privileges and security of former Presidents are two different things. There is no issue in reducing privileges such as vehicles and the pension. But, security is not a privilege – it is about someone’s life. How can security be reduced? Some countries spend billions and trillions to protect certain individuals. Security decisions should always be based on threat levels, not financial considerations,” he said. 

He also said that they would present all evidence to the SC to prove that Rajapaksa’s security is at risk when legal proceedings pertaining to the matter commence. Noting that it is the Government’s responsibility to provide security for former Presidents, even if they refuse it, he said: Rajapaksa is the President who ended the civil war. Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga survived a suicide bomb attack and lost an eye. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe could also argue his role as a leader who made decisions during the war. When incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake retires, he too should have adequate security. We all know that even individuals involved in organised crime or the drug trade are given security while in remand custody. So, how can anyone deny security to former Presidents?”

Speaking in the Parliament recently, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the Government had decided to withdraw all tri-forces personnel assigned to former Presidents’ security, and this decision was put into effect early last week. Consequently, only the specified numbers of police officers remain in their security details. Henceforth, security arrangements for former Presidents are to be adjusted based on biannual threat assessments, with the Government aiming to save around Rs. 1,200 million annually by making these changes. Furthermore, henceforth, Special Task Force security will only be provided to the sitting President and Prime Minister.