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Police Chief wanted VVIP security reduced
Two months prior to the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, IGP Chandra Fernando had suggested the reduction of policemen deployed for VVIP security, saying that more personnel were required for routine work.

This disclosure comes amidst investigation on possible security lapses which led to the killing of Mr. Kadirgamar, who was known to be one of the main targets of the LTTE.

The Sunday Times last week revealed how neighbours in the vicinity of Mr. Kadirgamar's private residence at Bullers Lane had informed the Cinnamon Gardens Police of suspicious movements of some people, but the OIC of the station had asked the callers to come over and make a written complaint. The police had not followed up on the complaint.

IGP Fernando at a June 14 meeting with Public Security Ministry Secretary Tilak Ranaviraja had urged him to rectify the situation where too many police officers were being deployed for VVIP visits.

The IGP and seven DIGs at this meeting said that though VVIP meetings were important, it was felt that too many policemen were deployed for this purpose, and their routine police work was neglected.

Among the routine issues the police were to look into was the disposal of garbage, top brass discussed at this conference.

VVIP protection is provided for President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Law and Order Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, then Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Opposition Leader's Office has regularly complained about the cavalier approach to Mr. Wickremesinghe's security.

Police Chief Fernando told The Sunday Times they had suggested the reduction of security for the VVIPs, saying that while taking action to protect VVIPs, they had to ensure that other duties were not neglected.
“It is our duty to protect both, VVIPs as well as the general public,” he said.

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