Threats to Sajith taken up at a very high level

Chief Opposition Whip MP Lakshman Kiriella has criticized IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon for allegedly not taking seriously warnings from Indian sources regarding security threats to the life of SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa during a recent meeting at the parliamentary complex, according to parliament sources.

In response to Kiriella’s concern about reports from several Indian websites regarding threats to Premadasa’s life, Tennakoon reportedly stated that local intelligence reports indicated no such threat to the opposition leader, and he denied the validity of those reports.

Kiriella pointed out that the police and local intelligence agencies had also failed to act on prior warnings from Indian sources about the imminent Easter Sunday attacks, questioning the accuracy of police intelligence reports and the validity of threat assessments based on them.

The meeting, chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, was attended by Opposition Leader’s Secretary Thisath DB Wijayagunawardane, PC, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Opposition Leader’s office Suranga Ranasinghe, and Deputy Principal Officer of the office of the Secretary General of Parliament MRDT Thilakasiri. In addition to IGP Tennakoon, DIG (Special Protection Range) DVP Ajith Hesiri represented the police, according to parliament sources.

The meeting was convened at Kiriella’s request. Opposition Leader’s Secretary Wijayagunawardane expressed concerns that the security provided to Premadasa was inadequate and highlighted security lapses. He noted that Premadasa had become a high-risk target for potential attacks and mentioned writing to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security on May 31, 2024, and June 13, 2024, regarding these lapses, but had not received a response up to the time of the meeting.

Tennakoon acknowledged being informed about the letter dated May 31, 2024.DIG Hesiri informed the meeting that according to relevant circulars, Premadasa was entitled to 22 security personnel, but due to security threats, 47 personnel had been deployed on a 24×7 basis, informed sources said.