I was only acting on SC judgement - IGP

Rafik Jalaldeen

COLOMBO: IGP Victor Perera yesterday said he was only acting in terms of the Supreme Court judgement in making adjustments to the security detail of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga adding that other than that there was nothing personal against the Ex Head of State.

Denying Media reports which stated that he had ordered the removal of Kumaratunga’s security staff while not doing so in the case of other former VVIPs, the IGP said all he did was comply with the Supreme Court order and nothing more.

Addressing a media conference at the Police Headquarters yesterday the IGP said: “I have no personal motives in this matter. Equally I cannot ignore the Court judgment as the IGP.”

He said he executed the order after consulting his Department’s legal advisor.

“We can’t act differently merely because the matter concerns the former President. As per a 1994 circular guiding provision of security for VIPs a Cabinet Minister is entitled to an Inspector of Police , five PCs, a back up vehicle, a walkie talkie and mobile set fixed into the vehicle”, IGP Perera pointed out.