The Police Headquarters has focussed its attention on investigating the over 6000 police personnel attached to the Presidential Security Division (PSD), Ministerial Security Division (MSD) and other VIP security units who have been enjoying all privileges, it is reported.
This issue has gained attention after President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa minimised the escort vehicles and security personnel, the Aruna Newspaper reported.
It is also reported that President Rajapaksa will be utilising only the Army personnel especially trained in VIP security.
Until now there were around 2500 security personnel attached to the Presidential security division alone, who have been enjoying all perks including vehicles and also obtaining all the privileges being accorded to police personnel on regular service.
Although most of these personnel were claiming to be assigned to the PSD, most of them were engaging in their private businesses.
It is reported that around 3700 personnel are assigned to the MSD, security of retired presidents and other units.
At a time when the Police force is experiencing a severe shortage of personnel and could only assign around 1500 police officers per district as a result, this group assigned to VIP security duties and said to be enjoying their perks and stationed in Colombo.
Meanwhile, Neth News reported that President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has taken a decision to reduce the number of police personnel attacked to the PSD.
Accordingly, it has been decided to remove 1400 police officers, who were serving in the PSD all this time.
Among them are 2 SSP, 4 SP, 5 ASP and 7 CIs.
The President has also ordered the removal of 850 STF personnel from the PSD. However, 300 PSD personnel would be retained in the
Accordingly, as a whole 2,250 PSD personnel have been removed from presidential security services.
(Mirror)