Security for TNA MPs ensured: Speaker

Rodney Martinez and Manjula Fernando

KOTTE: All measures have been taken to ensure the security of TNA MPs from the Eastern Province following reported threats to their lives, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara told Parliament yesterday. He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa had also been apprised of the situation and had instructed the authorities to ensure the safety and protection of TNA MPs.

The Speaker said he had also arranged for a meeting with Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Ministerial Security Division Director for further action

Minister Dinesh Gunawardena who raised the issue initially, said there had been threats to the lives of the Eastern MPs and requested the Speaker to look into this.

Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle drawing the Speaker's attention to the recent assassinations of two TNA MPs including that of MP Nadarajah Raviraj, said the security provided to these MPs should be increased in consultation with the Inspector General of Police.

JHU MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera said the Eastern MPs had been threatened by the LTTE to resign from their Parliamentary seats.