Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga Questions Reduction in Her Security Detail

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has raised concerns over a possible conspiracy to assassinate her, similar to the assassination of her late husband, Vijaya Kumaratunga.

She shared these concerns in a letter to Ravi Senewiratne, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, regarding her security detail.

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga pointed out that her security detail was recently reduced from 50 to 30 officers, as per a directive issued on October 31 by Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajith Hemasiri.

She questioned why she was given fewer security personnel compared to other former Presidents, who have over 200 security personnel.

The former President also highlighted that among former presidents, she is the former president who has the most severe threats to her life.

She referenced intelligence reports suggesting that the LTTE had previously targeted her in 2006 and 2014.

In response, Acting Inspector General Police Priyantha Weerasuriya said that no reductions have been made for former Presidents' security detail and assured that an investigation is underway.

The report will be forwarded to the Ministry of Public Security and the Cabinet for further action.