MPs’ security is to be beefed up:Speaker

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Following the request made by a number of MPs to beef up  their security after the shooting incident inside Magistrate’s Courts  Hulftsdorp, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne yesterday announced in  Parliament that he had requested the Acting IGP to beef up the security of  all MPs.   

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is one of the MPs who wanted security beefed up in the wake of Wednesday’s shocking incident.  

Mr. Premadasa expressed grave concern over the incident,  stating that it poses not only a threat to the judiciary but also to the  entire society. He emphasised that this is a crucial issue that  requires immediate attention. While some security measures have been  provided to judges—who carry out the most vital work in the  judiciary—there have been written notifications in the past indicating  that their security would be withdrawn.  

The Opposition Leader in Parliament on Thursday referred to  the country’s situation, noting that civilians and even journalists are  facing threats. Journalists, report on security and are vulnerable. He  stressed that despite a court order mandating security for journalist  Chamuditha Samarawickrama has been subsequently withdrawn.  
He urged the government to prioritise the security of both  the public and those in the media sector. He also called for a proper  investigation into the recent incidents and for appropriate actions to be  taken. The Opposition Leader emphasised the need for the government to  ensure the safety of MPs as well.