• Concerns raised about area not having safety of designated security zone, gathering of large crowds of visitors and inadequacy of current arrangements to handle same 

In the wake of reports that security for the President, Prime Minister, and Ministers has been beefed up, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Media Spokesperson Attorney Manoj Gamage said that the Government should also strengthen Rajapaksa’s personal security, particularly in Tangalle.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said that unlike in Colombo, where Rajapaksa previously resided in Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7, within a designated security zone, Tangalle does not provide the same level of safety. “Where he resided in Colombo was safe. But, Tangalle is not such an area. Regular buses pass right in front of his residence, and it is not a secure zone.”

He noted that large crowds of people are now gathering to meet Rajapaksa in Tangalle, adding that existing security arrangements are not sufficient. “It is difficult for the current group to handle such a large crowd. We saw that the security of the President, the Premier, and Ministers has been increased, including those who previously said that such security was not necessary. In the same way, Rajapaksa’s security should definitely be increased.”

Speaking further, Gamage said: “We saw certain government representatives claiming that there is no need of security for Rajapaksa as he is now in his hometown. But, if someone intends to cause harm to another, it does not matter whether their target is in their hometown or in Colombo. His security must be ensured without such arguments.”

Multiple attempts to contact the Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala proved futile.

Rajapaksa, who was the President from 2005 to 2015, relocated from his official residence in Colombo to Tangalle following the passage of the President’s Entitlement (Repeal) Act in the Parliament, which curtailed the privileges and facilities granted to former Heads of State.