In a recent development that has sparked considerable debate, Minister Vijitha Herath addressed former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s claims regarding the reduction of her security detail. Herath clarified at a media briefing that contrary to Kumaratunga’s assertions, her security personnel had not been reduced to 30 but maintained at 57 officers. This statement aimed to dispel concerns and misunderstandings surrounding the issue of former Presidents’ security. Herath stressed that previous Presidents enjoyed much larger security details, often ranging between 100 and 180 personnel, underscoring the effort made to ensure former leaders are adequately protected.
This controversy has led to the establishment of a committee tasked with evaluating the appropriate security measures for former Presidents. A Cabinet Paper will be submitted, aiming to develop a fair and balanced mechanism for security provision. The financial cost of maintaining these security measures is substantial, with the Police Department spending Rs. 1,100 million annually. Kumaratunga had expressed her concerns in a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, citing a reduction of her security from 50 officers to 30 and highlighting apprehensions about her safety and protection.
Evaluating Financial and Security Impacts
The controversy has prompted the creation of a committee to evaluate appropriate security measures for former Presidents. A Cabinet Paper will be introduced to develop a fair and balanced security provision mechanism. Maintaining these security measures comes at a high financial cost, with the Police Department spending Rs. 1,100 million annually. Kumaratunga had expressed her concerns in a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, claiming a reduction in her security from 50 officers to 30 and expressing fears for her safety and protection.
