MPs' security tightened

All parliamentarians will be provided with at least 04 police officers for their security, according to the new security arrangements worked out by the Speaker of the Parliament, W.J.M.Lokubandara, Parliament and Police officials said.
MPs who have had death threats will be provided with additional guards with escort and back up vehicles, depend on the threat level that they are facing, Speaker told the Parliament this morning. He made this order after discussed the matter with Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake, yesterday, it is learnt.
Legislators’ security was rearranged, after the growing opposition against the killing of Tamil lawmaker on the New Year’s dawn at a Hindu Temple in Colombo after his security was reduced from 18 to two. It was done two weeks prior to his assassination.
Another legislator cum minister was killed yesterday when the suspected Tamil Tigers carried out a claymore bomb attack at Ja-Ela, while he was travelling towards Colombo.
Nation Building Minister D.M.Dassanayake was the second MP who was assassinated within eight days. It comes just before the ceasefire formally ends next week. The truce had been in place since 2002, but it had been observed in the breach in the past two years.
Security is tightened this morning after yesterday’s twin bomb blast at Ja Ela and Colombo, the latter blast did not cause any casualties.
But Air Force Commander went passing the area few minutes before the explosion which was inside a telephone booth in front of the Lake House.
Heavy traffic jams were seen on roads in every corner of the Capital in the morning as police and military were checking suspicious vehicles and persons entering the city.
The supreme court which ordered last month to slash the security check points, also prohibited night search operations on houses unless there were extraordinary reasons.