Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has pledged strict disciplinary action against undisciplined police officers while assuring that there will be zero political interference in the lawful duties of the police.
Speaking on the modernization of the police service, Minister Wijepala said the government’s priority is to build a more efficient, friendly and public-oriented police force, emphasizing that public trust should ultimately determine the success of the department.
He said the government is prepared to modernize the police service over the next two to three years through the introduction of new technology and improvements to the knowledge and skills of officers.
The Minister said the government would provide the necessary infrastructure and resources, including local and foreign training opportunities, increased manpower, revisions to salary and promotion structures, and housing facilities for personnel attached to all 608 police stations.
However, he questioned what the police service would provide to the public in return for the significant investment made by the state, stressing that citizens must see a tangible improvement in the quality of police services.
Addressing public safety, Minister Wijepala highlighted the need for police to focus more strongly on preventing crime and road accidents rather than simply investigating incidents after they occur. He noted that more than 3,000 people lose their lives in road accidents every year.
He also instructed senior police officers, including Deputy Inspectors General, to remain accessible to members of the public and respond effectively to their grievances.
The Minister said his office, along with the offices of the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry Secretary, remains open even on holidays to people seeking assistance. He urged station commanders to listen carefully to the concerns of vulnerable citizens and take steps to resolve their problems.
Referring to the growing influence of social media in exposing alleged injustices, Wijepala said the government would protect honest and hardworking police officers but would not tolerate indiscipline or misconduct.
He revealed that nearly 1,000 police officers had faced disciplinary action during the past year, stressing that members of the public who approach a police station for assistance should not face further hardship because of the misconduct of a small number of officers.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister said there is currently zero political interference in the lawful duties of the police, from Members of Parliament to the President.
He added that the government would intervene only when necessary to correct unlawful actions and protect the rights of the general public, while emphasizing that restoring public confidence must remain at the heart of police reform.
