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Sri Lankan president orders police chief to give security to former Maldivian president's wifeCOLOMBO, Feb 10, 2012 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Sri Lankan president has ordered the police chief to provide security to the wife of ousted Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, presidential spokesman said here in a statement on Friday. Former Maldivian President Nasheed's wife Laila arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday and had contacted Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa over the telephone. Rajapaksa then instructed Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K. Illangakoon to provide security for her and ensure her safety. Rajapaksa has requested Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed to ensure the safety of former President Mohamed Nasheed."President Waheed assured President Rajapaksa that he would ensure the safety of the former President of the Maldives," Presidential Spokesman Bandula Jayasekara said in the statement. Before flying off for a State visit to Pakistan, Rajapaksa had also telephoned former Maldivian President Nasheed and inquired about his safety. The two countries have had strong ties with Rajapaksa even intervening to resolve tensions in the Maldivian government after Nasheed was elected into power. However, Sri Lanka has stated that it will not intervene in the present crisis terming it as an"internal matter." |