Why Are Taxpayers Funding Protection for Two Men with No Apparent Enemies?
(Lanka-e-News -14.Feb.2025, 7.05 PM) Sri Lanka has a long-standing tradition of providing lavish government security to former ministers, ex-parliamentarians, and politically connected elites—even when there’s no clear reason for them to need it. But in the case of former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and former TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran, their continued state-funded protection has left the public scratching their heads.
Neither of them currently holds office. Neither is facing any credible or immediate threats. And yet, both continue to enjoy state-funded security details at the taxpayer’s expense.
The big question is: why?
It’s one thing for a former president or prime minister to have security for a limited period after leaving office. But why do two men who are no longer in power—and who claim to have no enemies—require government-funded protection?
Tiran Alles: A man whose name has been linked to controversial dealings, including alleged financial exchanges with the LTTE, murky property transactions, and even a mention in the Pandora Papers. Is there something in his past that makes him fear for his safety? Or is it just another VIP perk that he refuses to let go of?
M.A. Sumanthiran: After losing his parliamentary seat in 2024, one would assume that Sumanthiran would quietly fade from the spotlight. Yet, he still has government security. Is he worried that political elements—maybe even India’s BJP—are after him? Or is this just another example of Sri Lankan politicians clinging to taxpayer-funded privileges long after their relevance has expired?
Providing security to former government officials isn’t just about physical safety—it’s also about status, power, and influence.
In Sri Lanka, having a convoy of security personnel and escort vehicles is a symbol of importance. It’s not about needing protection; it’s about maintaining the illusion of power long after leaving office.
The public, however, isn’t buying it anymore. If Tiran Alles and Sumanthiran genuinely fear for their safety, they can hire private security—just like any other individual who feels at risk. Why should ordinary Sri Lankans, who are struggling with the cost of living, foot the bill for their personal protection?
Now that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is in office, it’s time to put an end to this nonsense once and for all.
If Anura is serious about cutting unnecessary government expenses, then here’s a simple executive order that could save the country billions of rupees:
No more government-funded security for ex-ministers, ex-MPs, ex-presidents, or anyone else who is no longer in office.
Ranil Wickremesinghe (a.k.a. The Butcher of Batalanda)? No more state security.
Maithripala Sirisena? Time to protect himself.
Chandrika Kumaratunga? Find private security, just like every other retired person.
Mahinda Rajapaksa? No more taxpayer-funded bodyguards.
The only exceptions should be for individuals facing genuine, credible threats—not just "perceived threats" conveniently used to justify government-paid luxury.
One of the biggest arguments used to justify security for former officials is the risk of public backlash.
But let’s be honest—if a politician has nothing to hide, why would they need protection from the public?
If Tiran Alles never misused state funds or engaged in corrupt deals, why does he need security?
If M.A. Sumanthiran never misled the Tamil people or played political double games, what’s he worried about?
If Ranil, Mahinda, Sirisena, and Chandrika were honest leaders, why do they need entire security teams to shield them from the people they once governed?
The truth is simple: they’re afraid of accountability.
And the best way to avoid facing the people they once misled is by hiding behind layers of security paid for by those very same taxpayers.
Sri Lanka can’t afford to waste billions on protecting people who no longer serve the nation.
If you’re no longer in office, you’re just another citizen—and you should pay for your own security just like everyone else.
It’s time for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take bold action and dismantle this outdated security entitlement system once and for all.
The message is clear: If you’ve done something wrong, face the consequences. If you haven’t, you don’t need government security. Either way, taxpayers should not be footing the bill.
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by (2025-02-14 13:51:02)
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