The Supreme Court has dismissed the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, challenging the decision to reduce his security detail.

The FR petition was dismissed without a hearing by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today.

In his petition, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa challenged the government’s decision to reduce his security detail to 60 personnel.

The reduction in the security detail came after the government decided to reduce the privileges afforded to former heads of state, citing significant state expenditure. (Newswire)

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116 security personnel attached to the security detail of the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa have been removed, following a government review of security arrangements of former presidents.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Human Resources informed Rajapaksa’s security division of the decision.

Before concluding their duties, the security personnel had a cordial conversation with the former President and posed for a group photograph with him.

Taking to ‘X,’ Rajapaksa said, “For years, you have stood by me like a shadow, protecting my life and the lives of my family members. Your sacrifices, loyalty, and service have meant more than words can ever express. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and deepest respect to all of you.”

At a media briefing at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna headquarters on Lotus Road, the party asserted that the government must bear responsibility for any threats to Rajapaksa’s life.

Attorney Ravindra Jayasinghe also accused the administration of neglecting public promises and failing to honour Rajapaksa’s legacy as the leader who ended separatist terrorism. (Newswire)

“Even food testers were withdrawn” SLPP alleges conspiracy after 116 security personnel were withdrawn from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s detail. pic.twitter.com/y1MZ8j2N4M

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) December 13, 2024

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The security detail provided for former Presidents has been reduced to 60 personnel following a review conducted by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), it was reported.

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, 116 Police officers deployed on security duty for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa have been transferred with immediate effect. 

The officers transferred to 38 divisions, include seven Chief Inspectors and four Police Inspectors. 

Meanwhile, three vehicles that had also been granted to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa have also reportedly been withdrawn. 

When inquired in this regard, the Police Department said the transfers of Police officers were made based on service requirements. 

The Department further said that the former President’s security detail consists of 67 Police officers at present, while the rest have been reassigned. 

The Police Department has also reported that former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s security details have also been reduced to 51 officers and 58 officers, respectively.

The department added that the security detail offered to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will also be reduced in the future. (Newswire)

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