The Sri Lanka Police and the Special Task Force (STF) are responsible for providing security to public representatives and other individuals identified as facing life-threatening risks. Security is assigned based on intelligence reports and periodic risk assessments conducted by the authorities. However, recent discussions have emerged regarding the continued provision of STF security to former Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, especially at a time when security provided to other former leaders, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been reduced.
During a press conference held on February 11, a journalist directly questioned Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, asking, “On what basis has Tiran Alles been granted STF security, which even some current government officials do not have?” In response, Minister Jayatissa explained that security is allocated based on intelligence reports that indicate threats to an individual’s life. He assured that security is not granted arbitrarily but is instead determined through systematic risk assessments.
A senior officer from the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force confirmed that a total of 19 STF personnel have been assigned to protect Tiran Alles. This includes seven officers for his personal security and twelve officers stationed at his residence and other locations. The officer further explained that Tiran Alles had been provided security since his tenure as Minister of Public Security, following reports that he was a potential target of criminal organizations and underworld figures.
The Cabinet of Ministers had earlier approved security measures for several high-profile individuals, and Alles’ security was deemed necessary due to his involvement in law enforcement activities and crackdowns on organized crime during his time as minister. The STF officer clarified that the decision to continue his security detail was made at higher administrative levels based on the severity of threats identified at the time.
Tiran Alles Acknowledges Threats to His Life
On May 22, 2023, Tiran Alles publicly stated that intelligence agencies had confirmed threats to his life from underworld criminal networks, which had prompted the continuation of his security protection. He acknowledged that security had been reduced since the current government took office, stating, “I now have only six STF officers for my security. Intelligence assessments also indicated that threats were not just against me but against my family members as well.”
Alles did not elaborate on the nature of these threats but maintained that police intelligence had strongly advised that he should retain STF security for his safety. His statement has raised concerns among critics, who question whether such security details are still justified given that Alles no longer holds a ministerial position.
Government’s Response: Security Assessment Underway
When asked about the matter, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that security details are regularly reviewed and that the government conducts assessments every six months to determine whether specific individuals still require protection. “Some individuals have been reassessed and found to no longer require security. In such cases, their security is withdrawn,” he explained.
Minister Wijepala emphasized that security is determined based on expert recommendations, and decisions are not influenced by personal or political considerations. “Security experts analyze the risks, and based on their reports, we decide if security should continue, be increased, reduced, or removed altogether,” he stated.
He assured that a detailed review of Tiran Alles’ security status will be conducted, and if intelligence reports indicate his risk level has decreaased, appropriate adjustments will be made. “We are committed to ensuring that security resources are used efficiently and only for those who truly need them,” Wijepala added.
Despite these explanations, questions continue to arise about the unequal distribution of security resources, especially in light of the reduction in security for other high-profile figures, such as former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Some political analysts have pointed out that government officials should be more transparent about the criteria used for granting or removing security protection.
As the six-month security assessment progresses, the outcome of the review will determine whether Tiran Alles continues to receive STF protection or if his security will be further reduced. Until then, the debate over who receives state-funded security and why remains a contentious issue in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
