Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has stated that the proposal submitted by Members of Parliament requesting personal security will be referred to the National Security Council for consideration.
The announcement was made during a high-level discussion held at Parliament on May 23, chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, and attended by opposition party leaders, the Acting IGP, the Director of the Ministerial Security Division, and senior security officials.
The meeting was convened following a request made on May 20 by several opposition MPs, raising concerns about the rising threats faced by legislators.
During the discussion, Acting IGP Weerasuriya provided a briefing on the current national security situation. He emphasized that many of the recent killings in the country were the result of violent clashes between criminal gangs and drug traffickers, and confirmed that some local politicians have also been identified as being involved in such crimes.
He further noted that security has already been provided to MPs whose individual risk assessments have been completed, and the Speaker requested to be kept informed on the progress of the remaining reports.
MP Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna suggested that MPs be provided with firearms for personal protection if sufficient security resources could not be guaranteed. However, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa strongly objected to the proposal, stating that in a democratic society, the use of firearms for protection is unacceptable and that the government must take full responsibility for ensuring the safety of elected representatives.
MP Ravi Karunanayake also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that new MPs actively engaged in the fight against drug trafficking may face increased threats and should receive appropriate security. Both Premadasa and Karunanayake further urged authorities to reveal the names of any politicians within their parties found to be involved in criminal activities.
MPs Gajendra Kumar Ponnambalam and Dilith Jayaweera echoed the need for continued security, stating that full protection should remain in place for MPs requesting it until their security assessments are finalized, after which appropriate action can be taken based on the findings. (Newswire)
