A Sub Inspector of Police extended apologies to three individuals during a legal proceeding in open court yesterday.

This incident stems from an unauthorized entry into a private institution in Colpetty back in 2021.

In 2021, the sub-inspector from the Colpetty Police forcefully entered a private institution dressed in civilian attire and armed, accompanied by several other officers, while an internal disciplinary investigation was ongoing.

Following this, he issued threats to two officers from the institution's human resources department, including a lawyer present during the proceedings.

The sub-inspector was initially named as the respondent in a petition related to the incident.

Yesterday in the Court of Appeal, the sub-inspector expressed apologies to the complainants, adhering to Sinhala tradition by bowing down with hands together.

He apologized to Attorney-at-Law Miyuru Igalahewa, the Human Resources Manager, and Assistant Human Resources Manager of the private institution, in the presence of Justices Menaka Jayasundara and Mohamed Lafar.

During the hearing, the bench highlighted the collapse of public trust in the Police Department. They clarified that their orders were not intended as an insult to the police force but underscored a significant concern.

The bench stressed the fundamental rights of individuals and the importance of adhering to regulations governing police duties, cautioning against the misuse of power.

They noted that officers should always wear their official uniform and carry identification during official duties to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

The bench emphasized the need for thorough investigations before initiating raids and urged the police to gather information from security officers attached to private institutions.

The sub-inspector was sternly reprimanded and instructed to refrain from such actions in the future. Furthermore, he was directed to formally apologize to the affected parties following traditional Sinhala protocols.

President's Counsel Sanjaya Jayawardene represented the petitioners in the case.