Minister Vijitha Herath, the Cabinet Spokesperson, clarified that the security detail for former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has neither been removed nor reduced.
Addressing the media on recent cabinet decisions, Minister Herath stated, “There have been concerns raised by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike suggesting that her security might be reduced. However, this is not the case. She had reportedly mentioned a reduction to 30 security personnel, which is inaccurate. Currently, she has been allocated 57 security staff members.”
Minister Herath further disclosed that extensive security resources are provided to former presidents. “In total, over 100 police and military personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of four to five former presidents, with some receiving as many as 180 officers. This security allocation extends beyond personnel to include security vehicles, buses, Defenders, three-wheelers, bicycles, and ambulances.”
According to Minister Herath, the annual cost of security for former presidents totals approximately 1.1 billion rupees, surpassing the entire annual budget for the police hospital’s medical services. “The funds allocated to protect former presidents are greater than what is available to cover the healthcare of police officers throughout Sri Lanka, which raises significant concerns,” he noted.
To address this, Minister Herath announced the formation of a committee to review and adjust security measures for former presidents in a more balanced way. “A cabinet paper will be submitted with the committee’s recommendations, and proportional security arrangements will be established for all former presidents. Special measures will be considered for those with specific security requirements.”
