UNP to keep close eye on police

The UNP has appointed a special committee headed by its Puttalam District MP Palitha Range Bandara to look into the shortcomings and irregularities in the police service and take legal action against ‘errant officials’ who violate laws at the dictates of Government VIPs.

Mr. Bandara who is also a former police officer told a media conference yesterday that the party’s working committee appointed this committee on Tuesday since the police service had been politicized in an unprecedented manner today.

He said that the police officials are not a position to act according to established procedure in maintaining law and order as they are under constant pressure from Government heavyweights.

“Some officials openly carry out the agendas of ruling party politicians. They do not even record complaints made by opposition members,” he said.

He said that the UNP would prosecute officials who breach the country’s law in pursuit of the political agendas of Government VIPs.

“Now plans are already underway to take legal action against the OIC of a police station in Trincomalee. This official did not act according to the law when an opposition member lodged a complaint with him on May 5, in the run-up to the Eastern Provincial Council election. This committee will defend the police officials who discharge their duties honestly despite political pressure,” he said.

He said most IGPs had been posted to top positions in the Government or the diplomatic service after retirement, and therefore there has been the temptation for anyone appointed as the IGP to please the Government expecting high suitable rewards on retirement.

“Soon after his retirement outgoing IGP Victor Perera was appointed as the Northern Province Governor. We will closely observe how newly appointed IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne will work. Our committee will not hesitate to take action against him if he violates the law,” he said.