IGP should desist from making political comments

One would expect the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to avoid making political statements but going by the remarks he has been making of late and the manner in which the Police Department continues to showcase and question apprehended suspects, it is prudent to ask if those entrusted with upholding the law actually know the law. 

For example, IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya thought nothing of accusing an Opposition MP, namely Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana, of having connection to underworld figures in public comments he made this week.

This after the SJB MP claimed he had received death threats and has sought Police protection.

“It has been revealed that the MP has certain links with individuals involved in organised crime. We are conducting investigations to determine the basis of these threats,” the IGP told reporters, adding that some individuals connected to organised crime and drug trafficking have entered politics and are seeking to expand their influence at the national level.

He seems to be echoing the words of Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala who accused the slain Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Lasantha Wickramasekara of links to criminal gangs which resulted in his killing.

Politicians having links to criminals isn’t exactly a new finding. This is common knowledge. While Wijepala is a politician and will want to deflect criticism over the security situation in the country, the IGP needs to act in a more responsible manner. Most importantly he must remain impartial without making political statements.

The Police Department has not had a proper man at the helm for a while. The last IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon was removed by Parliament after being found guilty of engaging in acts that are unbecoming of a person holding a prestigious position as IGP. One would expect the current IGP to take a cue from what happened to Thennakoon and keep out of politics but in the few months since being confirmed in the post, he is sounding more like a politician than a public official.

If as the IGP says the SJB MP is involved with underworld gangs, there are enough laws to deal with it. It was the same case with the slain Weligama PS Chairman. There’s no use of accusing the dead man of being involved with criminals because if the Police was doing its job properly, the man should’ve been behind bars, not sitting in a Government office.

It’s the same with MP Withana. If the IGP has evidence to substantiate his claim that the MP has underworld links, what is stopping the Police from arresting him and producing him in court?

The bane of our public service has been over enthusiastic public officials bending backwards to please politicians. Going by the number of public officials facing charges of corruption and other illegal activities, it’s obvious that many have used their clout with politicians to accumulate wealth illegally and have also carried out illegal orders. 

Politicians hold power temporarily while public officials have a long run in these services until retirement. This is why they need to stop pandering to the whims of politicians and carry out their jobs without looking at personal benefits such as getting a job extension or a diplomatic posting once retired.

IGP Weerasooriya has won much praise for being the first in the Police Department to rise through the ranks to become the IGP. That is much appreciated. But he needs to stop making political statements and ensure his Department does not make a mockery in the manner in which it carries out investigations particularly into high profile drug-related cases.

President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, former Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President, was among many who urged that arrests and criminal investigations be conducted strictly in accordance with the procedure established by law. “Parading suspects before the media, getting them to give voice cuts, and sharing those clips on media and social media will thrill some sections of the public but will not help the prosecution once the trials start,” he said.

These are things the IGP should take note of and stop this unprofessional behaviour of those who work under him.

The real success will only be when the Police can assist in the successful conviction of a criminal, not by gloating over its achievements prematurely.