UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, while claiming that there is a ‘sinister’ disinformation campaign against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, noted that the latter has not requested foreign chefs, foreign food, or additional security.
Issuing a special statement, Wijewardene said the party believes the comment made by the Acting IGP regarding the withdrawal of Wickremesinghe’s security has been cancelled and that his security has been restored.
“We have noticed a mudslinging campaign against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, especially after the presidential election, over social media. What is stated in these reports is completely false, and we vehemently condemn this exercise.
It was reported that the security detail of the former President had been withdrawn and that the officers concerned were expected to report to the police divisions to which they have been transferred.
However, the Acting IGP has denied this report and stated that these officers are still engaged in providing security for President Wickremesinghe. We believe the Acting IGP and expect him to focus on the situation.”
He also stated that the former President and First Lady Maithri Wickremesinghe never used the President’s House for personal purposes.
“They only used it for official work. The allegation that they requested foreign chefs and consumed foreign food is completely false. This is a statement issued with malice. Food was purchased for the President’s House from local suppliers.”
Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesperson Senior DIG Nihal Thalduwa issued a clarification in response to reports that the former President’s security detail had been completely removed.
Addressing the media, SDIG Thalduwa stated that a certain number of security personnel, including 50 Special Task Force personnel, were assigned to the former President’s security.
Clarifying further, Thalduwa said former Presidents are entitled to a special security unit known as the Ex-PSD.
“Accordingly, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the eighth President, will have the Ex-PSD 8 unit established for his security requirements. The number of security personnel required for this unit will soon be determined by a committee led by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security,” Thalduwa said.
He also noted that no personnel have been removed from the former President’s detail, and reports of 337 personnel being removed were incorrect.
He explained that only a redesignation of security personnel has taken place, with some being reassigned to the current President’s detail, while the rest remain with the former President.
(ceylontoday.lk)
