Mahinda and Maithri Want Their Bulletproof Rides Back!

 

Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena have formally requested the return of their bulletproof vehicles for personal security, according to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.

The minister confirmed that the request has been forwarded to the Security Review Committee operating under the Ministry of Public Security. The committee’s recommendation will determine the next steps.

After the withdrawal of privileges granted under the Retired Presidents’ Entitlements Act, both former presidents had previously returned several vehicles they had been using to the government.

Minister Wijepala further reminded that, as he stated earlier in Parliament, if the absence of these vehicles is found to compromise their security, there remains a possibility of reissuing the bulletproof vehicles to them.

— In short, the two ex-presidents aren’t ready to travel light — or without armor!