The main opposition party on Wednesday raised concerns over the security of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and urged the government to address the issue.

Opposition Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) leader Dinesh Gunawardena, speaking in parliament, accused the government of failing to provide facilities to the former president.

He said that the government has also not provided an official residence to the former president and this is seen as an attempt to prevent him from carrying out his duties.

Gunawardena said that even medical attention given to the former president has been withdrawn in an inhumane manner. He said that vehicles provided to 

Rajapaksa’s security officers had also been reduced.
Ruling United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella denied the allegations raised by the opposition and said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will make a detailed statement on the issue in parliament.

Kiriella said that the former president had been given over 200 security officers and that this was confirmed by the former president’s media division.

Rajapaksa lost the Jan. 8 Presidential elections to incumbent President
Maithripala Sirisena.

The opposition has been hinting at the possibility of Rajapaksa contesting the next Parliament elections expected to be held this year for the post of prime minister. -- (Source: Xinhua)