Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Public Security Minister Vijtha Herath assured that there will be no political interference in the Police Department under the National People’s Power (NPP) government.
Acknowledging the past breakdown of public trust in the Police, Minister Herath said that new government has been tasked with rebuilding public faith. “It will be our duty, as the Minister and the Secretary to the Ministry, to restore confidence in the Police. The Deputy Inspector Generals of Police also carry a great responsibility in this effort,” he said.
The Minister noted that restoring public trust will not be achieved in the short term, but reiterated the government’s commitment to allowing the Police Department to carry out its duties without political influence.
“We urge senior Police officials to change the old and wrong practices of the past. While we extend our full support, your duty as Police officers will be to independently protect law and order,” he added.
Herath also guaranteed that under the NPP government, ministers will not be calling up Officers-In-Charge (OICs) of Police with directives, promising an end to the ‘old culture’ of political meddling.
