159th Police Day Commemoration Held Under the Patronage of the President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that no crime will be allowed to disappear with the passage of time and that time will never be an obstacle to bringing criminals before the law. The President further stressed that the present government is committed to ensuring that punishment for crimes will be carried out irrespective of when or where the crime was committed.
The President made these remarks while addressing the 159th Police Day celebrations held yesterday (03) at the Police Grounds in Thimbirigasyaya, under the theme “Uphold the Law – Value Peace.”
The President noted that the Police Department bears a significant responsibility in addressing today’s pressing social challenges, particularly the drug menace and crimes committed with illegal firearms. He assured that the government will take steps to protect police officers who fulfil their duties diligently, while also encouraging them to carry out their responsibilities without fear.
The President also drew attention to the issues currently faced by police officers and the Sri Lanka Police Department. He emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing the number of police officers, improving salaries and allowances and building a modern Police Department equipped with advanced technological knowledge.
The appointment of Sir G.W.R. Campbell as the first Inspector General of Police on September 3, 1866, is regarded as the official beginning of the Sri Lanka Police.
Over the past 159 years, the police service has been closely connected with Sri Lankan society. On this significant day, tribute is paid with pride to all police officers who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties, as well as to those who, after years of dedicated service, have retired.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who attended the 159th Police Day commemoration ceremony, was warmly received with full honours and the President also inspected the ceremonial parade of the Police.
At the event, President Dissanayake also presented ‘President's Police Gallantry Medals’ to police officers who brought honour to the Sri Lanka Police and demonstrated exceptional bravery in the line of duty.
Expressing his views on the occasion, President Dissanayake further stated:
“We have witnessed many occasions where officers of the Police Department have been recognized with great admiration and respect. That recognition has served as a strong foundation in building a proud Police Department for our country. At the same time, alongside this admiration and respect, the Police Department has also faced its share of criticism and allegations. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all officers currently serving in the Police Department to safeguard the dignity and honour of the institution with unwavering integrity, while ensuring the safety of the public and the security of the nation.
I am confident that all of you, including the current Inspector General of Police, will work with dedication to restore the dignity and honour of the entire Police Department. We are aware that some news reports about the Police may not always be favourable. However, among the nearly 84,000 police officers, it must be remembered that the actions of a few can bring dishonour to the entire Police Department. Any anti-social or illegal act committed by an officer reflects negatively on the whole department.
Our Police Department is a very strong and capable institution. You have demonstrated the ability to swiftly investigate any incident that could incite unrest in the country and bring the suspects into custody. This reflects the exceptional skill possessed by our officers. In addition to skill, you also have the courage and commitment to face challenges fearlessly. However, certain murders and crimes in our country have contributed to unrest. Can it be said that the Police Department failed to uncover these crimes? I do not believe so. The inability to solve these crimes or murders was not due to incompetence or lack of dedication within the Police Department. Rather, behind every unresolved crime, there was political influence that obstructed the process.
There is a history in our country where, despite the willingness and dedication of police officers to carry out investigations, political influence has obstructed their efforts. Not only were these investigations hindered, but there was also a culture of targeting the officers involved for reprisal. Performing one’s duties correctly has, at times, been used as a reason for punishment. I assure you that under our government, such practices will not occur. You should carry out your duties for the country and the public without fear and move forward confidently.
Some are attempting to promote the idea that crimes and murders will be forgiven after 15 years. Time does not make any of these acts legitimate. No offense should ever be permitted to be concealed by the passage of time. Even if the suspects involved have not yet been brought to justice, this does not diminish the severity of the crime in any respect. Therefore, our government is committed to ensuring that crimes are punished without distinction, regardless of when or where they occurred. Time is no obstacle to enforcing the law.
Therefore, the responsibility lies with the Inspector General of Police and all officers. The people of this country are watching you. Your service is crucial for maintaining society in normal order. Without your dedication and work, society cannot function as it does. That is why your duties are vital for the welfare and stability of the community.
Today, our country is facing a severe challenge. The drug menace that once plagued cities has now spread to rural areas. Our children are being drawn into the grip of drugs. Countless families have been pushed into poverty as young lives are destroyed. We all know that political interference has contributed to this issue, including involvement by leaders of key government institutions. There have also been reports of some level of support by certain police officers in this problem.
You are here to act against this menace. However, it must be acknowledged, even unwillingly, that in the past, some have shirked this responsibility. Therefore, I urge all officers to abandon that old practice. If not, step aside from your duties. If you do not do so voluntarily, we have discussed taking measures to remove you from service. Every department must be restored to the respect and dignity it deserves.
You are not an ordinary citizen; you carry the full weight of maintaining the welfare of society. The people of this country watch you with great expectation. We have confidence that you will fulfil this duty. We also recognize that your current salary is insufficient. You deserve a fair wage that sustains your livelihood and we hope to implement incremental salary increases to ensure this. These adjustments will be introduced in several stages.
By establishing the supremacy of law and building a peaceful nation, the country can advance rapidly toward development. A state free from crime, governed by the rule of law, becomes economically strong. We must build such a nation. The economic achievements and benefits the country attains will be translated into advantages for the people. As a result, your salaries and allowances will be increased to ensure a better standard of living for you.
You are also engaged in extremely challenging duties. Some officers work 14 to 16 hours a day instead of the standard 8. In addition, there is a shortage of officers. We have already received approval to recruit 10,000 new officers. We also hope to assign officers from the Civil Security Department to support auxiliary services. Therefore, we are implementing proportional increases to help alleviate the challenges you face in your duties.
Moreover, the modern police force is no longer just a baton-wielding presence on the street. While the duties remain the same, the methods of carrying them out have changed with the advances in technology and science. Today, many tasks can be accomplished through technological means. The government is placing greater emphasis on this area. We aim to transform our country into a strong, digitally empowered state. In line with this goal, we are prepared to equip the Police Department with new technology and tools. We need a modern police force, one that commands professional respect on par with international standards. We are providing the necessary technology, knowledge, and training to achieve this. At the same time, we are working with a mind-set of innovation. We need a Police Department that is closer to the people. I invite everyone to unite and help build this modern police force. Let us celebrate the 160th Police Day with a force that embodies respect, trust and public confidence.
The event was attended by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ravi Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Tri-Forces Commanders, Senior Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, senior and junior officers of the Sri Lanka Police and other distinguished guests.
PPresident Media
