Heated exchange over downsizing MSD security to MPs

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

The House got heated up yesterday when the opposition questioned the reduction of police security provided to the MPs. 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Buddhika Pathirana said MSD personnel who had been assigned for the security of the MPs had been reduced and that it was a threat to the security of all 225 MPs.  

“MSD personnel assigned for the security of the MPs have been reduced. This has been done in a situation where the drug smugglers were threatening  to kill even the President and the defence secretary while being in prison,” he said. He inquired as to who takes the responsibility of the decision to remove the security. “Is it the Security Council which takes the responsibility?” he questioned.  

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane said he would discuss the matter with the IGP.  

Meanwhile, Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, who became irritated said that police personnel were there to carry out police duties and that no police personnel would be assigned to carry files and bags of the MPs.