Police will ensure enhanced protection for candidates at the forthcoming Presidential Election (PE).
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon told the Sunday Observer yesterday that he had nominated a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police to oversee the personal security arrangements of would-be candidates of the Presidential Election.
The IGP said they had discussed with the Secretary of the Public Security Ministry last week about providing security for those who will campaign for the office of the President at the PE and the former Presidents.
The candidates will receive protection after they file appropriate documentation of their candidacy or nominations with the National Election Commission, he said.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday submitted a Cabinet Paper to ensure the security of Presidential candidates and former Presidents.
This followed the recent assassination attempt on former US President and Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, USA. Trump escaped, with injuries to one of his ears.
President Wickremesinghe has proposed the formation of a committee to assess the threats directed towards the candidates and the former Presidents to provide security.
The IGP confirmed the formation of this committee and added that this will be chaired by the Secretary of the Public Security Ministry and includes the Chief of Defence Staff, the IGP, the Chief of National Intelligence, and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police on elections.
“In fact, a number of DIGs will be appointed to carry out specific tasks under DIG Seneviratna who will oversee the entire security mechanism,” he said.
The committee will work closely with the Election Commission to ensure the seamless coordination of the security arrangements, he added.
