Army Commandos now deployed in the security contingent of former defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa are to be withdrawn and replaced with Police commandos.
This action is taken in line with the government policy of not deploying the Army for VIP security
Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said, presently Gotabhaya has 50 bodyguards, including 35 Army commandos.
Hettiarachchi told the media yesterday (16) that president Maithripala Sirisena, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe or any other top government figure were not given Army security.
Commenting on the removal of Army security from ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, he said relevant authorities would remain responsible for his protection.
However, Rajapaksa has told an electronic media that he was yet to receive any personnel in place of the withdrawn Army commandos.
