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Mahinda assures JSD security for judges
President Mahinda Rajapakse at a discussion with the Court Judges’ Association on Tuesday at Temple Trees gave an assurance that all High Court Judges would receive necessary protection through the newly established Judicial Security Division (JSD).

The JSD under the purview of the Police Department was set up to provide enhanced security to judges, including to those in the North and the East.
The need to have a specialised security network for judges was established after the killing of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya.

President Rajapakse told the High Court Judges’ Association that he was willing to provide the judges with armed security convoys on their travels. He also told them that more logistical equipment such as vehicles, 63 trailer motor bicycles, better weapons and communication equipment would be utilized for division.

At present there are 95 security officers in the JSD providing security for 21 judges of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and High Courts in Colombo.
JSD Director, SSP Caesar Ranaweera told The Sunday Times that they badly need an increased number of personnel and equipment to provide better protection for the judges.

“Some judges whose lives are in danger have obtained STF security. Our officers are also trained by the STF and the MSD, but once we increase the number we can provide security to all judges. We will also have our specialised training unit,” he said.

“We have plans on tightening security in the High Courts complex by having a special operations room for the judges’ security personnel to be watchful even during court sessions,” he added.

Justice Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda, Deputy Minister Dilan Perera, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath and High Court Judges' Association President Rohini Perera took part in the discussions among others.

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