MR Claims Security Reduction Violates His Fundamental Rights

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has filed a fundamental rights petition with the Supreme Court, seeking an order to reinstate his security detail, which was significantly reduced without a proper security assessment.

The petition names 29 respondents, including the Attorney General, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, members of the Cabinet, and the Acting Inspector General of Police.

Filed by Attorney-at-Law Anuradha Senaratne, the petition highlights that on September 30, 2024, Rajapaksa's security detail was reduced to just 60 officers, with the remaining personnel being withdrawn.

Rajapaksa's petition asserts that the reduction in his security was done without a proper assessment and that he currently has no armed military personnel assigned to his protection, relying solely on police officers. 

The former president, who led the country through a three-decade-long conflict, claims that he continues to face terrorist threats, making the reduction in his security a threat to his life.

The petition requests the court to declare that the arbitrary reduction of his security detail violates his fundamental human rights and to order the reinstatement of his full security contingent. 

Additionally, Rajapaksa seeks an assessment of the threats against him and appropriate measures to ensure his safety.