Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today questioned the government’s failure to provide adequate security to MP Rohana Bandara, stating it was his responsibility to raise ongoing concerns when the safety of opposition MPs is neglected.
Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa noted that despite repeated calls for ensuring the security of opposition members, the government had failed to respond appropriately. He emphasized that MP Bandara is still not receiving the protection he is entitled to and urged the government to take immediate action.
Citing a report submitted by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in Anuradhapura and other security agencies, Premadasa stressed that Bandara should be granted the necessary protection. He also criticized the government for attempting to frame the issue as an internal party matter, asserting there is no such dispute and that Bandara must receive the security he is owed.
In response, Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the government provides security to MPs based on assessments made by the police.
Raising a point of order, SJB MP S. M. Marikkar said that, upon inquiring from the Inspector General of Police, he was informed that the government had taken a policy decision not to provide security to MPs. “This is a political decision. Will you not intervene? You cannot dismiss this,” he said, questioning the Speaker.
Responding, Minister Jayatissa said that when SJB MP Jagath Vithana raised a similar security concern, the government ensured protection based on a police report. “If, in this case, the police report says there is an internal threat from within the party, it should be investigated,” he added.
Meanwhile, MP Rohana Bandara stated that the government’s policy on providing security is inconsistent and called on the Speaker to clarify whether he would receive protection.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne responded that the final decision will be based on the police’s assessment. (Newswire)