Over 42 officers attached to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's security detail have been removed with immediate effect. 

They were originally from the Ministerial Security Division. 

The exact reason for the removal of security is not known. 

However, a move comes two days after the Joint Opposition's May Day Rally at the Galle Face green. 

Sources close to Rajapaksa said the removal of security was a direct result of the success of the May Day Rally.