Adequate security for former CDS

Rafik Jalaldeen

The Government has provided an adequate security detail to retired Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Sarath Fonseka based on his request although he is keeping unauthorized troops and vehicles given to him during his tenure as the CDS.

Addressing the media yesterday at the Media Center for National Security, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said there were allegations in certain weekend newspapers and websites and from Opposition politicians that the Government did not provide an adequate security contingent to Rtd General Fonseka.

“Such baseless statements by certain media and politicians have created a wrong impression among the public,” he added.

Brigadier Nanayakkara noted that General (rtd) Fonseka in his letter to the Secretary to the President dated November 16, 2009, has requested that his security contingent be made up of one Commando officer and 20 other ranks, three officers and 50 other ranks from the Singha Regiment, five women corps,10 drivers, a bullet proof car, three Land Rover jeeps, a heavy vehicle, a van and a 26-seater bus.

“All his requests were granted by the Government except for the five women corps. The Government has offered security and vehicles according to the General (rtd) Fonseka’s own assessment”, he added.

He stressed that the Rtd General is using seven Army officers and 103 other ranks (four Commandos, four officers and four other ranks, three Administration and Communication officers and 17 other ranks, 55 drivers, riders and cooks) which are unauthorized and 26 vehicles (a double cab, three cars, seven Land Rover jeeps, four vans, a bus, an ambulance and nine motorcycles) which were given during his tenure as the CDS which too is unauthorized.

“These vehicles should be returned to the Army.

The Army troops have been given orders to report to their respective regiments”, he remarked.

When queried about the Rtd General vacating his Army residences, Brigadier Nanayakkara said the Rtd General had two houses, one as the Army Commander and subsequently as the CDS. One house has been vacated and the Rtd General is still living in his residence at Bauddhaloka Mawatha, he said.

Asked whether General (rtd) Fonseka’s security will be withdrawn if he contests the Presidential election, the Brigadier noted that the decision rests with the Government.