Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has officially returned his bulletproof vehicle to the government, in accordance with the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act, his media spokesperson said.
Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage said that the move follows a directive from the Presidential Secretariat, issued on 24 September, requiring the return of all official vehicles and the official residence assigned to the country’s fifth Executive President.
Accordingly, Rajapaksa has handed over both his armoured vehicle and the accompanying passenger vehicle used by his security detail through the appropriate channels.
However, Gamage warned that the decision has raised serious security concerns, noting that the absence of the bulletproof vehicle has exposed the former president to potential threats.
He added that discussions are scheduled next week with the Defence Minister, Defence Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and other senior security officials to request alternative arrangements to ensure Rajapaksa’s personal protection.
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