Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said in future politicians would be given the protection of the Police and the STF.

“In order to de-politicize the Army the security of the MP’s and Ministers will be transferred to the Police and the STF,” he said.

He reiterated that only those within the close security circle would be given military protection. “In future only the President, Defence Secretary and those involved in defence matters will be given Army protection,” he said.

The Secretary made these statements in response to a question posed by DM Online on the removal of security for Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP Leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan.

“His security has not been removed. It has just been transferred from the Army to the Police. And this has been applied not just to him but to all MP’s and Ministers,” Rajapaksa said.

“This is a step to bring in discipline to the Army and distance it from politics,” Rajapaksa said. (DM)