- SJB queries Govt./IGP on MPs’ security
The Opposition has requested Speaker of the Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne to summon Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya to the Parliament for a discussion on the security of Parliamentarians and several related matters.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, Chief Opposition Whip and Member of the main Opposition Party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Gayantha Karunathilleka said that the Opposition had requested the Speaker to arrange a meeting with the IGP to address issues surrounding MPs’ security.
“We requested that he be summoned to the Parliament. It is not only the SJB but the entire Opposition that believes that such a discussion is necessary.” He added that they expect the Speaker’s Office to make the necessary arrangements for the meeting soon. “The usual security that MPs had was withdrawn under this Government. We expect the Speaker's Office to arrange this meeting as soon as possible,” he said.
The request follows recent remarks by IGP Weerasooriya, who stated that investigations had revealed alleged connections between SJB MP Jagath Vithana – who recently claimed that he was receiving death threats – and individuals linked to organised crime. IGP Weerasooriya said that Vithana was provided with temporary Police protection after reporting the threats.
“It has been revealed that the MP in question has certain links with individuals involved in organised crime. We are conducting an open investigation to determine the basis of these threats,” he said.
He also noted that some individuals connected to organised crime and drug trafficking have entered politics and are seeking to expand their influence at the national level. IGP Weerasooriya further said that political parties have a duty to ensure that such individuals are not given nominations and do not enter politics “wearing white attire” while engaging in criminal activities.
SJB MP Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana meanwhile alleged that the Government has not taken steps to provide adequate protection to MPs and is attempting to blame organised criminals for every crime that is taking place.
Dr. Jayawardhana made these remarks during a media briefing held yesterday (28) where he criticised the Police force's conduct at present.
“We don’t expect a politicised Police from the IGP. The Police is not the personal property of the current IGP,” he said, expressing disapproval of the recent statements made by the Police regarding Vithana where the latter was called a person with links to organised crime.
Dr. Jayawardhana expressed concerns about the provision of Police security for MPs. He alleged that Vithana was not provided with protection until several letters regarding the matter were submitted and the Speaker issued an order, and that no protection was provided to the recently assassinated Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairperson.
Under the current administration, security arrangements for MPs, Ministers, and former Presidents have been revised, leading to the withdrawal or reduction of personal security details previously provided to them. This has led to repeated complaints from serving and former politicians who say that the changes have exposed them to security-related risks.