Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya says measures are being taken to tighten the laws to maintain law and order in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to the media, after having assumed duties today, IGP Weerasooriya said that the President, Justice Minister and Minister of Public Security have been informed that special raids to curb drug and crime activities cannot be continued under the existing laws.
“As such, we are formulating laws to address these concerns. New laws are required to deal with people who are unable to refrain from engaging in crimes and corruption. We have received the utmost support of the international community, and steps are being taken to utilize their assistance and strengthen ties,” he said.
IGP Weerasooriya further said that the shortcomings in the existing laws are being addressed to further strengthen the operations conducted to curb crimes and drug-related activities, including the increased shooting incidents in Sri Lanka.
“There are some people who have fled and have sought refuge overseas who are behind these crimes and drug activities. They operate through their associates in Sri Lanka. There are some who had deserted the armed forces, and some even from the Police force who are involved in drug activities. We are taking steps to address all of this,” he said.
IGP Weerasooriya said the first step will commence with cleansing the Police force, after which focus will be turned to society.
Commenting on the circulation of weapons in society, he acknowledged that a large number of firearms are currently in the hands of ordinary citizens.
“These include weapons from the tri-forces, weapons that belonged to the LTTE, weapons stolen from the armed forces, and those that have been taken from the Police Force. Investigations are underway into the weapons linked to the Police Department,” he said.
The new IGP said that disciplinary and legal action will be initiated against Police officers who are found to be linked to crimes and drug activities, adding that if found guilty, they will be suspended from duty. (Newswire)
