The discussion surrounding the security of Members of Parliament (MPs) has gained traction in recent weeks, with Government officials providing mixed responses on whether protection should be granted to MPs and under what circumstances.
This follows growing concerns from MPs over potential threats, prompting Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne to inform the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to review the situation and take appropriate action. However, Government authorities have emphasised that no decision has been made so far to provide security for MPs.
Authorities have reiterated that security will only be provided if a credible threat is identified through a risk assessment.
Addressing the Parliament on 21 February, Wickramaratne stated that several MPs had approached him seeking enhanced security measures. He confirmed that these requests, which had been submitted periodically, had now been forwarded to the Acting IGP for necessary consideration.
Revamping security for former officials
Following the inauguration of National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake as President, all Police security personnel assigned to former parliamentarians and ministers were recalled, with exceptions made for the former Speaker, former Deputy Speaker, and the Opposition Leader.
This move aligned with President Dissanayake’s campaign promise to curb excessive Government spending by reducing unnecessary security provided to politicians. Following the conclusion of the previous parliamentary term, Police security provided to former MPs, ministers, deputy ministers, and state ministers was revoked.
However, under the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, individuals who previously served in Parliament, Provincial Councils, or held the office of governor, or were granted special protection under a court order will continue to receive extended security coverage.
This policy shift reflects the Government’s broader effort to streamline State-funded security allocations, ensuring that only those facing legitimate risks retain protective measures.
On 23 December 2024, tri-forces personnel assigned to former presidents were withdrawn, marking a significant shift in State-funded security allocations.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed that over Rs. 1.4 billion in taxpayer funds had been spent on security for former presidents in the past 11-and-a-half months alone. He stated that the revised security plan was expected to save at least Rs. 1.2 billion annually.
While Police personnel will continue to provide security for former presidents, their protection levels will now be reviewed every six months, with security allocations made accordingly.
Case-by-case risk assessment
Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Morning, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala said that there was no general risk assessment being conducted for all MPs. Instead, the Government evaluates individual threats, following requests for security from MPs.
“An inquiry will be conducted if a certain MP faces a threat and requests security. If the findings confirm a real risk, security will be provided,” he said.
However, no MPs had been granted security thus far, Watagala stated, confirming that there was no official Government policy on the security of MPs – protection would be provided strictly on a request basis.
No major concerns yet: Wijepala
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Public Security Minister Wijepala echoed a similar stance but refrained from detailing the criteria used for risk assessment. When asked about the factors considered in determining security threats against MPs, he redirected inquiries to the Acting IGP.
He assured that security would be granted if necessary following a risk assessment, but added that there was “no major concern” at present.
Wijepala also stated that while Parliament had discussed how security would be allocated, no decision in this regard had been taken yet, noting his inability to comment further on the matter.
Existing security arrangements
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Police Spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga revealed that a separate committee under the Ministry of Public Security had been established to handle security requests from MPs. However, he admitted that he was unaware of the exact factors used in risk assessments.
Providing key insights on current Police security measures, Manatunga said that over the past two years, all MPs had been eligible to be provided with personal security officers. However, he noted that since no MPs had made such requests at present, there were currently no MPs who had been assigned personal security officers.
Nevertheless, Wijepala has stated on a previous occasion that given the current situation, instructions had been given to implement a special security programme at the Police station level to safeguard the homes of MPs and the events they attend.
“Under the general security measures at the Police station level, each Police station is responsible for mobile patrols at MPs’ residences. Officers conducting these patrols must sign a Police notebook order upon visiting an MP’s residence, ensuring that security checks are carried out,” Manatunga explained.
When asked whether this patrol system applied to all MPs or only those who had requested security, he said that he would need to verify this information.