Half of the soldiers given for Rajapaksa’s security was removed on May 02, but an order for withdrawal of the rest a few weeks ago was suspended.

Buddhist monks of Pevidi Handa met president Maithripala Sirisena on May 31 and asked that Rajapaksa’s Army security be not withdrawn.

Col. Mahendra Fernando, the head of the security contingent, will remain with Rajapaksa until the conclusion of his tour of Japan that begins on June 10.