Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence announced that, effective December 23, military personnel assigned to protect former presidents will be withdrawn, with security now being solely handled by police officers.
The decision has been communicated to the heads of the tri-forces, as part of a broader effort to review security arrangements and reduce the expenditure associated with safeguarding former leaders.
This marks a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to the security of its former presidents. A month earlier, the Presidential Secretariat had dismissed media reports suggesting a reduction in security measures for Mahinda Rajapaksa, but recent developments confirm that over 116 military personnel from his security detail have been withdrawn, including officers with specialised training in VIP security.
In a photograph shared on Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official X (formerly Twitter) account earlier this month, the former president is seen seated alongside his wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, and rows of military personnel. Rajapaksa expressed gratitude to those who had been part of his security detail, stating, “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.”
While Rajapaksa continues to receive protection under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, this is the first instance where his security detail has faced such significant cuts. Despite Rajapaksa’s term ending over eight years ago, his security presence had remained unusually extensive until now.
Rajapaksa, who led Sri Lanka during the Mullivaikkal genocide, is widely accused of overseeing systemic human rights violations, including indiscriminate shelling of no-fire zones and the enforced disappearances of thousands. These atrocities have increasingly been recognized as acts of genocide.
The security reductions are not limited to Mahinda Rajapaksa. Reports indicate that the security details of other former presidents, including Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, have also been reviewed and reduced. Sirisena’s security detail has reportedly been cut to 51 personnel, while Kumaratunga’s has been reduced to 58. The security arrangements for former president Ranil Wickremesinghe are also reportedly under review.
The decision to scale back military protection for former presidents is reportedly being viewed as part of broader efforts to reduce state expenditures amidst Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis.
