Sri Lanka Police have intensified security measures at foreign diplomatic missions and locations linked to foreign nationals in Sri Lanka following rising global tensions, the Police Media Division said.

In a statement issued on March 3, the Police said the Inspector General of Police has instructed all police stations to implement special security arrangements to prevent any incidents that could disrupt public order or national security.

Accordingly, enhanced protection has been ordered for embassies, high commissions and their official residences, as well as other affiliated premises. Police said these security measures will remain in place until further notice

The directives also cover the safety of foreign nationals currently in Sri Lanka, including their residences, business establishments, tourist sites, hotels, residential buildings and places of religious worship.

Police said a 24-hour security plan has been introduced to ensure the protection of both individuals and property.

If required, assistance from the armed forces will be sought to support the implementation of these security measures, the statement added. (Newswire)

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Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler announced that special police security has been deployed in cities and religious sites for the upcoming festive season.

Addressing the media today (15 Dec), he said that in the Western Province alone, an additional 2,500 officers have been assigned for this purpose.

“With the festive season approaching, the IGP has issued special instructions to every police station to ensure the safety of cities, religious sites, and crowded public areas such as shopping complexes. In the Western Province, 2,500 additional officers have been deployed for these operations,” he said.

ASP Wootler further said that the public is advised to be cautious when parking vehicles or motorcycles, and not to leave valuables or money inside. 

“If you notice any suspicious individuals, inform the nearest police officer immediately. During this season, many plain‑clothes police officers and intelligence officers will be present to assist and protect you. The Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, and the Tri‑Forces are fully prepared to safeguard the public,” he added. (Newswire)

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A special discussion was held in Parliament today (31), chaired by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne and with the participation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Attorney) Priyantha Weerasooriya, and opposition Parliamentarians, during which the opposition MPs requested the Speaker to take necessary steps to provide security to them.

According to a Parliament statement, a group of party leaders representing the opposition, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and several Members of Parliament, participated. 

In response, Speaker mentioned that all the requests for security made by MPs up to now have been forwarded to the IGP. He also stated that although a policy decision has been made by the government regarding the security of Members of Parliament, going beyond that, the IGP has been informed to carry out his duties regarding the requests received up to today, and that, accordingly, security has already been provided to the relevant MPs.

Furthermore, the Speaker also informed the IGP today about the requests made by the opposition MPs. Expressing his views, the IGP stated that he will take necessary steps to inform the President and the Minister of Public Security about these requests.

The Opposition MPs who participated thanked them and requested that, without allowing any hindrance to their political activities, necessary steps be taken first to provide security to all opposition MPs to maintain a safe environment, and then to obtain an objective analysis of the threats and to take future courses of action.

Commenting on the meeting, Chief Opposition Whip MP Gayantha Karunathilaka said IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya and Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne gave positive responses during the talks held on the security needs of the public and Parliamentarians. 

Speaking to reporters, MP Gayantha Karunathilaka said the meeting was organized after opposition MPs had previously requested the Speaker for a meeting to discuss the security of public representatives due to the current circumstances in the country.

“A discussion was held today between the IGP and several opposition MPs, including the Opposition Leader. The discussion focused on the current state of the country, while the opposition highlighted the security of the public, public representatives, and state officials. Both the Speaker and the IGP gave positive responses,” he said. 

MP Gayantha Karunathilaka expressed hope that they will provide a reasonable response with regard to the matter. (Newswire)

“There was a positive response about the security needs of the public and their representatives,” Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka on talks with the Inspector General of Police. pic.twitter.com/AlmlDuSibD

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) October 31, 2025

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says the government is open to considering requests made by former Presidents concerning security. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said the government is committed to ensuring the safety of former presidents, despite the introduction of the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act.

“Several privileges afforded to former presidents were removed after the passage of the Act. Several former presidents have already handed over certain benefits received by them, such as houses and vehicles,” he said. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala further explained that, however, the security factor does not fall under the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act.

“As such, some former presidents have returned the vehicles used for their security. Even though some privileges have been removed under the act, the government is committed to ensuring their security. If required, they can make a request pertaining to security, including vehicles. The government is prepared to consider such requests,” the minister said. (Newswire)

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Security has been tightened around the Fort Magistrate’s Court in anticipation of the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which is due to be taken up for hearing today.

Police and Special Task Force personnel have been deployed in the area to address the large crowds expected at the court vicinity during the case hearing.

However, it is reported that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently under remand custody, will most likely not be presented before the courts today due to his health conditions.

Earlier today, Prisons Spokesman Jagath Weerasinghe said this due to doctors having recommended Ranil Wickremesinghe to remain in the hospital and continue his treatment.

He further said that if ordered by the Magistrate to present Ranil Wickremesinghe online via Zoom, then the necessary measures will be taken in this regard. 

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested and remanded until today over allegations of misusing state funds for a personal overseas tour during his Presidency. 

Following his remand, he was transferred to the Prison Hospital, and later to the Colombo National Hospital, and now remains in the ICU. (Newswire)

Security has been tightened around the Fort Magistrate’s Court, where the case against former president Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to be taken up. Police and Special Task Force personnel have been deployed in the area in anticipation of large crowds. pic.twitter.com/NhOnsYLZGy

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) August 26, 2025

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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)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has questioned the need for extra security in Dematagoda during her political rally, stating that the area has become unsafe due to the actions of past politicians. 

Addressing the political rally, PM Amarasuriya said that when the authorities were asked why there was extra protection, they had responded with, “Because it is Dematagoda”.  

PM Amarasuriya pointed out that the thought of requiring extra protection for a particular area was problematic. 

“This is not the fault of the people. Political protection was given for criminal activities in the country in the past. This is why drug lords were able to freely move around the nation. We will not allow this political protection to continue. The law is equal to all,” she said. 

PM Amarasuriya further said that those who break the law will face the same consequences, adding that the government’s focus was not to chase after small-scale people. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Defence said that military personnel previously assigned to the security of former presidents will be withdrawn effective today (Dec. 23).

The decision has been communicated to the heads of the tri-forces, and moving forward, only police officers will handle the security of former presidents, the Defence Minsitry said.

The development comes after the government decided to review the security arrangements of former presidents, citing the expenditure involved. (Newswire)

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Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the government expects to save Rs. 1,200 million in taxpayer money following a recent review of security arrangements for former presidents.

Addressing concerns raised about the decision, Minister Wijepala criticized those opposing the move, stating they were primarily interested in using public funds for personal gain.

Wijepala said that security arrangements would continue to be reviewed every six months to ensure effectiveness while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Minister Wijepala also said that starting next week, Tri-forces personnel will be withdrawn from the security details of former Presidents as part of cost-cutting measures.

Justifying the move, the Minister revealed the expenditure incurred for the security of former Presidents over the past 11 months of 2024, up to December 15.

Breakdown of Security Expenditure for Former Presidents

Mahinda Rajapaksa
•⁠ ⁠Tri-forces: Rs. 328 million
•⁠ ⁠Police: Rs. 327 million
•⁠ ⁠Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 55 million
•⁠ ⁠Total: Rs. 710 million

Maithripala Sirisena
•⁠ ⁠Tri-forces: Rs. 6 million
•⁠ ⁠Police: Rs. 185 million
•⁠ ⁠Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 16 million
•⁠ ⁠Total: Rs. 207 million

Gotabaya Rajapaksa
•⁠ ⁠Tri-forces: Rs. 258 million
•⁠ ⁠Police: Rs. 39 million
•⁠ ⁠Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 10 million
•⁠ ⁠Total: Rs. 307 million

Ranil Wickremesinghe (for 3 months)
•⁠ ⁠Tri-forces: Rs. 19 million
•⁠ ⁠Police: Rs. 60 million
•⁠ ⁠Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 3 million
•⁠ ⁠Total: Rs. 82 million

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
•⁠ ⁠Tri-forces: No expenses
•⁠ ⁠Police: Rs. 99 million
•⁠ ⁠Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 12 million
•⁠ ⁠Total: Rs. 110 million

Hema Premadasa (Wife of late President Ranasinghe Premadasa)
•⁠ ⁠Tri-forces: No expenses
•⁠ ⁠Police: Rs. 30 million
•⁠ ⁠Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 3 million
•⁠ ⁠Total: Rs. 32 million

The cumulative expenditure for the security of former Presidents over the last 11 months amounts to Rs. 1,448 million, the Public Security Minister said. (Newswire)

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Refuting recent claims that the security detail of former Presidents has been decreased, Government Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said no such measure has been taken as yet.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Herath said that a committee has been appointed to look into the matter and once a report is provided, the Cabinet will take a decision in this regard.

He further said that the government will make a decision in this regard with reasonable consideration and provide only the necessary security details for former heads of state.

Addressing recent claims made by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge that her security detail has been reduced, Minister Herath said that no such decision has been taken and that her claims were false.

He revealed that as of now, a security detail of 57 personnel has been provided to her. 

The Government Spokesman also pointed out that over 100 security personnel each have been provided to former presidents, as well as various vehicles and ambulances.

Stating that the government faces a cost of Rs. 1,100 million annually to maintain this service, he added that such an allocation has not even been made to any state entity. 

Minister Vijitha Herath said that, as such, the government is of the view that the security detail provided to former Presidents needs to change. (Newswire)

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Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has questioned the recent decision of the Public Security Ministry to decrease the number of personnel provided for her personal security as a former Head of State. 

In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Ministry, former President Kumaratunga said it has come to her attention that her security detail of 50 has been reduced to 30 as per the new decision. 

She further said that a letter by the Police Officer in charge of her area of residence has cited the highest level of threat to her among the former heads of state and that her security detail requires a minimum of 50 personnel.

Among the former Presidents, Mahinda Rajapaksa has been provided with a security detail of 243 consisting of Police and Army personnel, Maithripala Sirisena has been granted 109 Police officers, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa a security detail of 200 consisting of Police and Army personnel, she pointed out. 

Against such arrangements, she questioned why a decision had been taken to only reduce her security detail, despite severe threats to her, further raising doubts about whether there exists a plan to assassinate her, similar to her husband in 1988.  (Newswire)

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New York will boost security for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup in June, the city’s governor said on Wednesday, after reports of threats especially related to the India-Pakistan match.

“In preparation for the @cricketworldcup, my team has been working with federal & local law enforcement to keep attendees safe,” Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X, adding there was “no credible threat at this time”.

ABC News cited a New York City Police Department bulletin saying the tournament and its related events in New York City could be viewed by extremists as an opportunity to commit acts of violence or disruption.

“Recent pro-ISIS propaganda which specifically referenced the upcoming India-Pakistan match at this major event … raises concerns and reinforces the need for heightened vigilance” among security partners, the bulletin is quoted as saying by ABC News.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said the World Cup received an ISIS-K-linked threat in April and more specific threats over the India versus Pakistan match.

World Cup matches between India and Pakistan, which have not played a bilateral series in several years due to tense political relations, are among the most viewed sporting events in the world.

Hochul said in a statement New York State Police had been directed to increase enforcement presence, surveillance and screening processes for the tournament.

Cricket has three formats – Tests, One Day Internationals and T20s, with T20s being the newest. The ninth T20 World Cup is will run from June 1-29, with matches at nine stadiums – six in the West Indies and three in the United States.

The India-Pakistan June 9 contest will take place in at the Eisenhower Park stadium in Nassau County, New York. (Reuters)

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Special Police operations have been planned to provide security to churches for Good Friday commemorated today (Mar 29) and Easter Sunday celebrated this Sunday, March 31, 2024.

According to the Police, the special security plans are being implemented on the directive of IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

The Police said religious observances are to be held in 2,239 churches out of a total of 2,978 churches in the country, during the said days. 

Arrangements have been made to provide the necessary security for around 2,253 churches that are to hold religious observances from today until Sunday.

The Police, Police Special Task Force Personnel, and Intelligence Officials have been deployed for this purpose, while the assistance of the tri-forces is also expected to be requested. (NewsWire)

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Security procedures at one of Sri Lanka’s main international airports, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake have been partially eased, it was reported.

According to Ada Derana, the partially eased security procedures relate to the security scanners located at the entrance of the airport. 

Issuing a statement in this regard, the Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL) stated that passengers will no longer be required to check their luggage through the security scanners located at the entrance of the airport. 

The security scanners were initially installed at the entrance of the airport on account of the then-looming terror attacks.

The AASL stated that, however, passengers will be subject to the remaining two security checks prior to boarding their flight.

Plain-clothed members of the airport security staff and Tri-Forces will be stationed at the departure and arrival terminals at all times.

Travellers will continue to be monitored throughout with 446 CCTV cameras, the AASL added, giving details on the existing security protocols. (NewsWire)

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Around 5400 special guards have been provided for certain individuals who are not ministers or parliamentarians, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles revealed. 

Speaking in Parliament today, Minister Tiran Alles stated that he has called for a report in this regard.

He further stated that the matter will be reviewed, after which the special guards will either be removed or reduced based on the service requirement.

The Minister made the remarks in response to a question raised by opposition MP Ajith Mannapperuma in this regard. (NewsWire)

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