The government has deployed more security personnel for the protection of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith as the latter has refused to accept a bullet-proof vehicle from the Prime Minister's fleet.

Armed soldiers have been deployed outside the Archbishop's House, Colombo, to protect Cardinal Ranjith from imminent security threats in the wake of Easter Sunday explosions. 

The Prime Minister's offer came following intelligence reports suggesting that the Cardinal was facing threats on his life.

Following the terror attacks that struck several churches on Easter Sunday (21), the Cardinal and other high profile figures have faced heightened security threats. Despite the security forces providing protection to the Cardinal, the Prime Minister had also offered the use of his bulletproof vehicle.

Addressing a press briefing in Colombo today, Cardinal Ranjith said he refused a bullet-proof vehicle from the Prime Minister's fleet as he was "not scared for his life". 

"But I want the government to protect my people and the country," he said.