CBK’s security slashed from 168 to 7

By Chris Kamalendran

Acting fast on a Supreme Court ruling, Police Chief Victor Perera yesterday gave orders that additional security provided to former President Chandrika Kumaratunga be withdrawn immediately.

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga

In the order given to the former President’s security chief, Superintendent Nimal Chandrasiri, the IGP directed that Ms. Kumaratunga should have only seven police officers, including an ASP, for her security instead of 168 she had upto now.

The move followed Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling which said her retirement entitlements should be confined to what she is legally entitled to.

The former president’s secretary, P. Dissanayake, said instructions to reduce the security staff had been received and Ms. Kumaratunga, who is in London, was kept informed though she had not yet received a copy of the court ruling. (See page 8 for story on court ruling)

Urban Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena had presented the Cabinet paper granting the former President one and half acres of land in Madiwela, saying the value of this land was insignificant.

The Supreme Court said the minister’s statement was a “misrepresentation of facts” and Mr. Gunawardena yesterday declined any comment on the ruling.