11 February 2021 12:00 am
By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera
Special security provided to TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran was removed as he had participated in a protest violating police orders and a Court Order, Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara said yesterday.
He told Parliament that it was ludicrous if someone, who violates Police and Court Orders, is provided special security.
“I removed MP Sumanthiran’s special security. I had personally informed him that he had threats to his life. If so, he should have avoided going to public gatherings where there were around 2,500 people. He should have been mindful of his security. The STF cannot take the responsibility,” he said.
Opposition members protested against removing MP Sumanthiran’s special security. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said Mr. Sumanthiran was provided with special security based on a threat assessment on his life.
Minister Weerasekara said a few months ago, MP Sumanthiran had participated in a commemoration of a terrorist who had killed STF personnel while the STF were guarding him outside.
Minister Weerasekara said it was only the special security provided to Mr. Sumanthiran that was removed and added that he had been provided with four security personnel provided to a normal MP.