Rs. 1.44 Bn spent to guard former Presidents in 11 months – Minister

Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday (17) that the Government has decided to withdraw the Tri-Forces security provided to former Presidents from next week, limiting their protection to Police personnel only.

The Minister revealed that Rs. 1.44 billion had been spent over the past 11 months to provide security for former Presidents and a former First Lady. He emphasised that this measure was not targeted at former President Mahinda Rajapaksa but was part of a systematic review to reduce unnecessary public expenditure.

Currently, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa receives protection from 60 police personnel and 228 Tri-Forces personnel, former President while Maithripala Sirisena has 60 police officers and four military personnel assigned. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has 188 Tri-Forces personnel and 17 Police officers, whereas former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is protected by 57 military personnel and 60 police officers. Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has 60 Police officers and Hema Premadasa, the widow of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa has ten Police personnel.

The expenditure breakdown for the last 11 months revealed significant costs: Rs.710 million for Mahinda Rajapaksa, Rs.207 million for Maithripala Sirisena, and Rs. 307 million for Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Additionally, Rs. 82 million was spent on Ranil Wickremesinghe’s security over three months, while Chandrika Kumaratunga’s protection cost Rs. 110 million, and Hema Premadasa’s amounted to Rs. 30 million.

Minister Wijepala highlighted that such spending during a time of economic hardship was unacceptable, stating that the government would take steps to save approximately Rs. 1.2 billion annually through these reductions.

From next week onwards, former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe will be provided with 60 Police personnel each, three vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat, and one Police vehicle. Gotabaya Rajapaksa will receive 22 Police officers, one Police vehicle, and three vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat. Chandrika Kumaratunga will continue with 60 Police officers, one Police vehicle, and three vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat. Hema Premadasa will be allocated 10 Police officers, two vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat, and one Police vehicle.

The minister reiterated that these measures are part of a strategic reassessment and emphasized that any misuse of security personnel, such as deploying them for personal errands, will be addressed firmly. Regular six-month reviews will be conducted to assess and adjust security requirements as necessary.

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