COLOMBO: (Nov 1) Opposition lawmakers in Sri Lanka have urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide personal protection to all elected representatives across various levels of government, citing rising security concerns.
During Friday’s parliamentary session, members of the opposition asked Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to summon Police Chief Priyantha Weerasuriya to the House to discuss the matter.
“It is the duty of the government to protect the people’s representatives,” said Ranjith Madduma Bandara, a senior leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sri Lanka’s main opposition party.
Several opposition MPs have recently voiced concern over alleged intimidation and inadequate security arrangements, warning that political tensions ahead of local and provincial polls could increase risks for public officials.