No security cut to former CDS

Rafik JALALDEEN

The Government yesterday strongly denied allegations that former Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka had been provided with less security personnel and vehicles than that of former Navy Commander and Secretary to the Highways and Road Development Ministry and National Security Advisor Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda.

MCNS Director General Lakshman Hulugalle said certain media have reported that the Government has provided former CDS General Fonseka with a security detail that is less than that provided to former Navy Commander Karannagoda. “This is a baseless allegation against the Government. In fact, the Government has granted former CDS General Fonseka a larger security detail than to former Navy Commander Admiral Karannagoda, even though that he(Admiral Karannagoda) is currently serving the Government as its National Security Advisor and Secretary to the Ministry of Highways and Road Developments,” he noted.

“These media reports are not true. What we believe is that the Government has provided adequate security to the former CDS as per his request”, Hulugalle added.

However, he said there is not much difference between security strengths of both the former Navy Commander and the CDS. The latter has retired from his position. Nonetheless he has been given more security.

Hulugalle said a comparison of the actual security strength of the former CDS and former Navy Commander will disclose the truth. “Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara has given the media on Tuesday facts and figures of the security detail of former CDS General Fonseka. The facts and figures of the security detail of the former Navy Commander Karannagoda which will show the difference”, he added. Navy spokesman Captain Athula Senarath said the Defence Ministry has provided the former Navy Commander with one bullet proof car, four motorcycles, four Defender Jeeps,a van ,two Navy Officers and 40 sailors for security, transport and administration work as Secretary to the Ministry of Highways and Road Development, and National Security Advisor.