Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says warnings must be issued for matters that require it, responding to claims that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had recently threatened to reduce security for former Presidents.
Addressing a public meeting in Kalutara recently, the President said nearly Rs. 700 million is being spent to provide security for former Presidents.
Stating that a decision was taken to downsize the security offered to former heads of state to 60, the President warned if they keep complaining then he would not hesitate to remove those security personnel as well.
When inquired if the President was making a threat, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath speaking during a televised programme said that the decision to reduce the security offered former Presidents was made by an expert committee based on intelligence reports.
Minister Herath said that there was a law regarding the privileges afforded to former Presidents, but decisions regarding their security detail is made based on reports by the Intelligence Unit on the level of risks to the former leaders.
Minister Herath also said that the expert committee was also of the view that some former Presidents did not require a security detail.
“Warnings have to be made in matters that require it. Some people are taking this as a joke and making the government look like it is incapable of making stern decisions. We can make stern decisions, “ he said.
Minister Herath said that in order to ensure fairness the government decided to provide a security team of 60 personnel per former president.
He further added that the government was not required to provide security to persons who are attempting to create sympathy by claiming threats to their life, in order to receive these privileges. (Newswire)
