• Other VIP deployments include diplomats, persons with threats

The Police stated that apart from Parliamentarians including Ministers, a significant number of Police officers have been deployed for the provision of security for members of the clergy and judges.

Following a revelation that about 5,400 Police officers have been deployed for the security of various other persons in addition to  those deputed for the security of MPs including Ministers, the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles said on Tuesday (6) that the Ministry of Public Security was to conduct a review and remove such security attachments whenever possible.

The Daily Morning queried Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police and Attorney Nihal Thalduwa regarding the categories of persons to which such security attachments have been made, to which he said that Police officers have been deployed for the security of MPs and Ministers, clergy including Buddhist monks, judges, foreign diplomats, and various other persons who have requested for security due to certain threats.

When queried as to whether the Police would provide security to any person who asks for it, he said: "These persons usually fall under the category of very important persons (VIPs). It is not possible to provide security for everyone who asks for such. If an important person asks for security, a threat assessment is conducted on them and it is only after that that Police officers are deployed. Overall, a significant number of officers have been deployed for the clergy and judges."

On Tuesday, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Opposition MP, Ajith Mannapperuma claimed in the Parliament that a significant number of Police officers have unnecessarily been attached for the security of various parties such as religious leaders and places, MPs including Ministers, and judges and other senior Government officials. He queried Alles as to whether such security attachments are being reviewed at least once a month.

In response to Mannapperuma, Alles said that it is not possible to conduct reviews on the matter once a month. "Reviewing these matters as he (Mannapperuma) says is not something that is possible, but, about 5,400 Police officers have been deputed for various other persons in addition to Ministers and MPs. I have called a report on that matter. When the report is received, we will review it and remove such security attachments whenever possible," he said.