President Maithripala Sirisena has directed the heads of defence forces to provide maximum security forces to the main Presidential candidates.

According to the President's orders, stringent measures will be adopted to ensure the security of SLPP candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and NDF candidate Sajith Premadasa. Other candidates too will be provided with security on request.

Former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake is also in the race as a Presidential candidate.

The decision was reached at the security council meeting earlier today.

The meeting took place at the President's Office.