Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition with the Supreme Court, seeking the reinstatement of his security detail, which was significantly reduced without a proper security assessment.

In his petition, Rajapaksa highlights that his security personnel have been limited to 60 officers, with no armed forces personnel currently assigned to his protection. The remaining security is reportedly provided by police officers alone, raising concerns about the adequacy of these arrangements.

The petition names Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other Cabinet Ministers as respondents. Through his legal counsel, the former President alleges that the decision to reduce his security detail was arbitrary and infringes upon his fundamental human rights.

Rajapaksa asserts that as the leader who played a pivotal role in ending the nearly three-decade-long war in Sri Lanka, he continues to face significant terrorist threats, including direct threats to his life.

He has requested the Supreme Court to declare that the removal of his protection violates his fundamental rights. Additionally, the former President seeks a court order directing the respondents to reassess the threats against him and redeploy the security detail that was previously provided.

The outcome of the petition is anticipated to have broader implications for the security protocols afforded to former high-ranking officials in Sri Lanka. A hearing date is yet to be scheduled by the Supreme Court.