Chief Government Whip and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, told Parliament yesterday that the Government will take immediate action on any security-related issue faced by a Member of Parliament, provided it is formally reported.
Responding to accusations by the Leader of the Opposition and several opposition MPs that the Speaker had failed to adequately address a security concern raised by SJB MP Rohana Bandara, the Minister said the Government gives equal attention to the security of MPs from both the ruling party and the opposition.
Dr. Jayatissa stated that if any MP receives death threats or faces other security risks and reports the matter through proper channels, necessary steps will be taken based on the assessment of the Security Intelligence Unit. He cited the recent case of Opposition MP Jagath Withana, noting that after a formal complaint was made, both he and the Speaker intervened to ensure security was provided.
Referring to the allegation made by MP Rohana Bandara, the Minister said no formal notice regarding a security threat had been submitted. He added that it was surprising that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, with decades of parliamentary experience, had not raised the issue through the appropriate procedures.
Dr. Jayatissa stressed that MPs should follow established processes to ensure their concerns are addressed effectively, rather than making public claims aimed at media attention.
