Public Security Minister explains why special STF guard was withdrawn from MP Sumanthiran

Minister of Public Security, Sarath Weerasekera said that he had removed the special STF guard given to TNA parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran because he had taken part in a protest defying court and police orders.

Addressing the media in Colombo, Weerasekera said that Sumanthiran had taken part in a protest march in the East in recent weeks. STF security was given to the TNA MP because of alleged threats from the LTTE, the Minister said.

“He took part in a rally with a large crowd. If he had actually feared a threat, he wouldn’t have resorted to such action. There was also a court order banning the protest. So how can we protect a person doing something illegal?”

However, the TNA MP still had the police guard given to any MP, the Minister said.

Weerasekera also said that the CID had given eight files, on suspects connected to the Easter Sunday attacks, to the Attorney General. He also said that the final report of the Presidential Commission on Easter Sunday attacks was now being considered and soon the people would know the names of prominent individuals named in the report. (RK)