Tri-forces security for ex-presidents to be withdrawn today

The tri-forces security provided to former Presidents will be withdrawn effective from today (23) as announced by public security minister Ananda Wijepala.

The Defence Ministry said instructions for their withdrawal have been issued to the commanders of the tri-forces.

Only police security will be assigned for the security of former Presidents hereafter.

Wijepala told parliament last week that Mahinda Rajapaksa has been provided with 228 tri-forces personnel for his security.

For Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, the tri-forces personnel assigned were four, 188 and 57 respectively, he said.

This follows a government decision to curtail security in view of high costs.

Police personnel adequate for their protection would be given without compromising their protection.

Security provided to them will be reviewed every six months, said the government.