Internal probe on security lapse at President’s meeting

The armed corporal present at President Maithripala Sirisena’s meeting is reported to have been attached to the security detail of a former top politician.

The CID and VIP Protection Units are carrying out investigations to determine if there had been any serious breach of security, the Daily Mirror has learnt.

A senior officer-in-charge of VIP security told Daily Mirror that according to initial reports the corporal was not part of MPNamal Rajapaksa’s security but a member of the personal security of a former VVIP politician. He said the MPs are generally provided with a police guard attached to the Ministerial Security Division.

The officer who refused to comment further on the matter said an internal inquiry was also being conducted by the VIP Protection Units and the CID investigation to ascertain how the security lapse had occurred while the Presidential Security Division personnel were on duty. When contacted a senior CID detective said the inquiry was progressing and they were yet to record a statement from the Corporal who had not been taken into custody.

Meanwhile Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said the Corporal had reportedly told the Police Special Task Force personnel on being questioned that he was a member of MP Namal Rajapaksa’s security detail. The Corporal had managed to enter the venue of the SLFP Hambantota District Meeting at Angunakolapelessa on Saturday armed with a pistol without being subjected to a search by the PSD.

The STF personnel who noticed the Corporal in the vicinity had searched him on the spot and found a pistol tucked into his trouser at the back. He was then immediately removed from the venue.

When asked why such a person was released without being arrested, the Police spokesman said the CID was handling the investigations and will arrest him if necessary.