Action to regulate private security service personnel, providers

Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara said the Government is taking action to regulate private security service providers to improve the quality of their services.

Speaking at the Kandy District Conference of the Retired Tri-Forces Association, held at the Kandy Postal Auditorium, Jayasekara emphasised the need for a structured approach to enhance the standards of private security personnel. A new programme has been launched to enhance their professional standing and ensure that security guards play a more responsible role in safeguarding premises.

He pointed out that many private security personnel currently act merely as door attendants or vehicle handlers, often seen stationed at entrances rather than fulfilling proper security duties. He stressed that these workers should be transformed into trained and licensed security guards to instill greater confidence in their role.

“Unlike Police officers, private security guards do not inspire the same level of public confidence in security matters.This needs to change,” the Deputy Minister remarked.

To uplift the dignity and professionalism of security personnel, all stakeholders small, medium, and large-scale security service providers will be engaged in discussions with the Labour Department, the Finance Ministry, the Attorney General’s Department, the Defence Ministry and the Police to formulate a comprehensive regulatory framework.

Jayasekara noted that a significant majority of private security workers are retired military personnel and the Government is paying special attention to their wages, allowances, and benefits under the proposed regulations. He also commented on inefficiencies in the State administration and said that the situation was worse than expected, citing political interference as a major reason. However, he expressed optimism that, following the change in Government, a shift in political culture is gradually leading to improvements in the efficiency of State employees.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister assured that the Government is actively working to address the concerns of retired military personnel. The event was attended by Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Rear Admiral (retd) Fred Senewiratne and other distinguished guests.

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