Key Contenders to Receive Enhanced Security in Presidential Election

News Today: Only Key Contenders to Receive Enhanced Security During Presidential Election

An official from the Ministerial Security Division (MSD) revealed to Legacy Daily that only key contenders in the upcoming Presidential Election will receive enhanced security during their political campaigns, based on threat assessments. Police officers from the MSD and Special Task Force (STF) personnel will be assigned to protect these leading candidates, with security measures varying according to individual threat assessments.

Following the deadline for making deposits for the Presidential Election, a committee responsible for candidates’ safety met with coordinators from each candidate’s team to discuss and implement security protocols. Coordinators were briefed on how to manage their candidates’ security and the provisions made by the committee.

The four main political candidates—Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Namal Rajapaksa—are set to commence their campaign rallies shortly after the nomination period ends on August 15th, with each party aiming to complete 100 rallies. The security for each candidate will vary depending on the location and the specific threat level at each event.

During the entire election period, security measures will be overseen by the Police and STF, with the armed forces on standby to assist upon request from Sri Lanka Police. The Chief of Defence Staff has instructed all security force commanders to keep military forces on alert, ready to support if necessary.

Earlier, the Cabinet approved the formation of a dedicated committee to ensure the safety of Presidential candidates. Chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, the committee includes Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Senior DIG (Election) Asanka Karavita, and the Chief of National Intelligence.