MPs entitled to only two bodyguards each

By Saman Indrajith

Except for two policemen, an MP was not entitled to other security facilities, including back-up vehicles, Chief Government Whip, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Guanwardena, told Parliament yesterday.

Only two bodyguards, either from the Police Department or Ministerial Security Division was provided to each MP, the minister said in response to a question raised by Kurunegala District UNP MP Dayasiri Jaysekera.

Jayasekera said the answer was wrong as MPs had been provided with back-up vehicles.

Minister Gunawardena: No, what you say is wrong. An MP is entitled to only two security men. No back up vehicles are provided to them.

MP Jayasekera: Those who have crossed over from our side to the government have been provided with back-up vehicles and security personnel. There is nothing wrong with providing security, but when you say no back-up vehicles are provided, you utter falsehood. If you need, I could give the names of those MPs and the registered numbers of their back-up vehicles.

Minister Gunawardena: Some MPs were provided with additional security and back-up vehicles when there were threats on the basis of threat assessment.