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Minimum 6 cops per Cabinet Minister

16 May 2022

  • Security detail to be beefed up after incidents
By Buddhika Samaraweera With the decision to increase the number of Police personnel deployed for the security of Ministers and MPs in view of the crisis in the country, more than six Police officers will be deployed for the security of each Cabinet Minister, Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa told The Morning yesterday (15). When queried as to whether the security of former Ministers and MPs who are not currently representing Parliament would also be beefed up, he said that the number of Police officers deployed to the security of such would remain unchanged. Following the incidents of a Government MP having died in an attack in the Nittambuwa area on 9 May, and properties belonging to more than 50 politicians having been destroyed by the anti-Government protestors last week, the Police had taken steps to increase the number of Police officers deployed for the security of MPs. Accordingly, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana D. Wickramaratne had instructed the Ministerial Security Division (MSD) to increase the number of Police officers deployed for the security of an MP from two to six, with effect from 13 May. The increased number of six Police officers would also include a Sub Inspector (SI) of Police. Meanwhile, the Police recently said that, at certain times, there is a shortage of officers in police stations due to the assignment of officers for unforeseen duties, such as conflict management, at fuel stations and gas distribution centres these days, in addition to the normal duties.  Speaking to The Morning at that time, a senior police official said that although criminal investigation duties and traffic duties are usually the main duties of the Police, in addition to these, there are a number of other unexpected duties that are being assigned to police officers these days. “With the current situation in the country, there are constant clashes between people queuing up to buy gas, fuel, kerosene, and other commodities. Police officers should go to those places as soon as such an incident is reported. Also, there are minor complaints, criminal investigations, and traffic duties as usual. Therefore, in many places, there are not enough police officers on duty at certain times.” he said.


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