Over 80 security personnel for CBK - Minister Anura Yapa

Lakshmi DE SILVA

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was provided with more than 80 security personnel, 12 times more than a minister's security but she has gone abroad and made a baseless and unwarranted allegation that her life is in danger-an attempt to discredit the Government, Mass Media and Information and Investment Promotion Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told the weekly Cabinet press briefing in Colombo yesterday.

Ex-President Kumaratunga had one Senior Superintendent of Police, three Inspectors of Police, nine Sub Inspectors of Police, 18 police sergeants, 27 police constables and one woman police constable, eight police drivers, one Army Captain and 12 Army personnel in her security staff and 12 official vehicles, he said.

A Minister has one Chief Inspector, five police personnel as security. Kumaratunga who did not support President Mahinda Rajapaksa during the Presidential election campaign has only attempted to tarnish the image of the Government abroad, he said.

Asked whether the statement made by Kumaratunga was the result of a conspiracy, the Minister said since the terrorist issue was over it may be a part of a conspiracy.