Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he limited participating to meetings and functions due to lack of security.

Although there were 89 soldiers for security arrangements, there was no adequate protection when some of them were on leave, Rajapaksa told local media.

He also said that he had to change his everyday routine due to lack of protection.

Media reports on the apparent reduction of Rajapaksa's personal security created a heated debate in Parliament recently. The government insisted that Rajapaksa's security has not been reduced in any way.