Opposition sources said that they were awaiting Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne’s response to their request for security.
Although the urgent need to review security measures in place had been discussed at a meeting, chaired by the Speaker and attended by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya on 31 October, the government hasn’t indicated what it intended to do, sources said.
Some MPs have requested for personal weapons while others urged their security be strengthened, particularly against the backdrop of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickremesekera’s assassination on 22 October, at his office.
Sources said that the government should speak on this matter in one voice. SJB MP Jagath Vithana (Kalutara District) told The Island yesterday that Police headquarters provided him security on the basis of its own security assessment. But, the government, in consultation with the Parliament, should implement a cohesive security plan to thwart possible attempts on parliamentarians’ lives.