Saturday, 31 August 2013 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
IN a landmark move, Sri Lanka’s brand spanking new Public Law and Order Ministry kicked off its functions yesterday as the Secretary took office. The new ministry will take over functions of the Police force and ensure that it functions as a civil force under President Mahinda Rajapaksa – at least on paper.
Retired Major General Nanda Mallawaarachchi during his first address after taking office promised that the police will not be militarised under him despite him having close links to the military. Basic functioning of the Police force, that have long been ignored, such as the salary structure will also be looked into by him, media attending the event were assured.
He also pledged to continue the work of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and “fearlessly” change policies that are detrimental to the smooth functioning of the Police. Reiterating that the Police should be “people friendly”, he had also stated that while the good offices of the force should be commended, their lapses should also be punished.
Comments aside, few would disagree that Mallawaarachchi has a massive task ahead of him. The common acceptance of people is that the Police is the most corrupt institution in the country. Changing this perception will take decisive, transparent and independent action that will shake the most powerful – one major reason why it has not happened so far.
Far more than militarisation, Mallawaarachchi will have to fight politicisation. This observation is an obvious one, especially with the country on the doorstep of yet another election. The increasing number of misdeeds perpetrated by politicians and their hangers on hit headlines daily and yet, the Police seem to have insufficient support to stop it.
Recently, there was an incident where a DIG was transferred with a single phone call by an influential politician to the IGP. This alone gives an idea of how deep politicisation runs in the ‘service’, which is seen to be geared more towards helping the rich and not the poor. Transferring the police from being the private army of politicians to an efficient and concerned force is at the core of crime fighting. A rising and often increasingly violent crime wave has no other solution.
Internally, the Police also fight issues ranging from custodial deaths, allegations of torture, bribe taking and unfair transfers. The incidents at the Noori Estate in Deraniyagala are a perfect example of how corrupt politicians supported politicians to completely destroy law and order. In this instance, top police officials have been implicated but so far, no action has been taken.
Establishing an independent body to ensure corruption is kept in check is also important. By doing this, concentration should not only be on police officers who take tiny handouts to release drivers from traffic charges but those that operate at the highest levels of the police force. The arrest of DIF Sajin Vaas Gunewardena is a worrying example of how powerful members of the police force can use abuse their position.
Mallawarachchi also has to empower the police force with resources including better equipment, training and rewards so that they have the capacity to solve crimes competently. This will of course cost money, not just in the form of millions spent on riot gear, which the Government has already supplied, but also in learning how to deal with people with grievances. When confronted with a protest, they need to learn not to take the same road the Army did in Weliweriya and this will perhaps be the hardest lesson of all.
