MR could be killed in any country he visits: Wajira

By Yohan Perera  

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa could face the risk of assassination in any country he visits due to his role in ending Sri Lanka’s civil war, United National Party (UNP) Chairman Wajira Abeywardana warned over the weekend.   
Speaking at a UNP meeting in Baddegama, Abeywardana emphasized the need to provide adequate security for the former President.   
“One must remember that several Sri Lankan heads of state have either been assassinated or faced attempts on their lives,” he said. “President J.R. Jayewardene created the Executive Presidency based on systems in the United States and France. In the U.S., for example, a person retains the title of ‘President’ for life, even after leaving office. Accordingly, former Presidents are granted lifetime privileges and security.”   Abeywardana further noted that some countries uphold democratic systems while also supporting monarchies.   
He also praised former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for preventing greater destruction during the 2022 Aragalaya protest movement.   
“Ranil protected the residences of others, even though his own house was set on fire during the unrest,” he said. “He deserves credit for avoiding a disaster like the one that recently occurred in Nepal.”