A month after Anura Kumara Dissanayake's Presidential Secretariat, dismissed media reports alleging a reduction in security measures for former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, it is now being widely reported that at least 116 security personnel from Rajapaksa’s security detail have been withdrawn, including officers with specialised experience in providing security for Very Important Persons (VIPs).
In a photograph published on Rajapaksa's official X handle, he is seen sitting in front of a row of security personnel along with Shiranthi Rajapaksa. "For years, you have stood by me like a shadow, protecting my life and the lives of my family members," he said. "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."
The social media posts confirms the withdrawl of his security detail, which is the first time that such a decision was made depsite the fact that Rajapaksa's term in office ended many years ago.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) lawyer, Manoj Gamage during a media briefing held this week seemingly confirmed the move. According to the local press, he expressed concern over the decision, claiming that it could pose a significant security risk, given the presence of groups that still follow the "ideology" of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Gamage described the government’s actions as a serious matter, "particularly considering Rajapaksa’s role in eradicating terrorism during his presidency". Under Rajapaksa, tens of thousands of Tamils were slaughtered in the Mullivaikkal genocide, as the Sri Lankan state militarily defeated the LTTE.
It is not just Mahinda Rajapaksa who is having his security detail cut. Other reports state that a certain number of cadre from the security of former presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga have also been withdrawn after reviewing reports on the security threats that they face; these reductions reportedly bring Sirisena's security detail to 51 and Kumaratunga to 58. The security detail of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe too is reportedly udner review.
The Presidential Secretariat only recently rubbished the claims over the removal of security officers. Calling such claims "completely false," the Secretariat reaffirmed that Rajapaksa continues to enjoy the full range of entitlements specified under Sri Lanka’s Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986, giving him access to more than 200 security officers and luxury vehicles.
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security have also allocated a significant security presence for Rajapaksa. Military protection includes a team of three commando officers, four-unit officers, and 56 additional ranks, totaling 63 army personnel. The police have also deployed an extensive force comprising 180 officers, including 29 police drivers.
Rajapaksa has been widely accused of systematic human rights abuses, including indiscriminate shelling of no-fire zones and the enforced disappearances of thousands. The crimes he committed have increasingly been recognised as a genocide.
