The order was given after civil society members had raised concerns over the security given to the former parliamentarian who is facing several allegations.

When asked on whose instructions Sajin de Vass Gunawardena was given STF security, the IGP has told the President that the security was given when former IGP N. K. Illangakoon was in office.

The President had reportedly questioned Illangakoon on the STF protection given to Gunawardena and Illangakoon has said that the security was provided on the instructions of a top government Minister.

President Sirisena had then ordered the current IGP to withdraw the STF security and conduct a thorough investigation on the allegations raised against the former parliamentarian.

Sajin de Vass Gunawardena was arrested by the police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) last Monday for allegedly extorting money from a businessman. Sajin de Vass Gunawardena was produced in court and remanded till July 5.

The former Foreign Ministry Monitoring MP was also arrested by the CID in May last year over allegations of misusing vehicles belonging to the Presidential Secretariat.

But in September last year he was granted bail by the Colombo High Court.

It was later reported that he was going to be used as a State witness.

(By Ranjith Gunawardena -thesundayleader.lk)