Addressing a media briefing held at the Amari Hotel Colombo on 11 March 2026, he noted that international practice and legal tradition do not recognize such a distinction.
Peiris cited the example of Donald Trump to illustrate the point, noting that even when a President engages in personal activities such as playing golf, official security arrangements remain in place.
“When President Trump goes to Scotland to play golf, he does not lose security because it is a private matter. He has that security twenty-four hours a day,” he said.
He further explained that transportation and other logistical arrangements linked to presidential security must remain intact at all times, as the President cannot use ordinary public transport due to safety considerations.
Peiris added that whether the President attends a religious observance, participates in a personal event, accepts an invitation from a university or professional body, or travels abroad, the individual does so in the capacity of President.
He stressed that the current debate has created unnecessary confusion and said the issue should be clarified for the public based on international norms and established practice.
“I believe it is important to present the correct position to the public and move the debate forward on a more accurate and rational basis,” Peiris said.
