PAFFREL complains over neglect of election laws by certain Police HQIs

13 September 2024 08:21 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, Sep 13 (Daily Mirror) - While appreciating the Sri Lanka Police for their efforts to maintain law and order despite the absence of an Inspector General of Police (IGP) or Acting IGP during the pre-presidential election period, the People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has expressed concerns about non-implementation of election laws by certain officers.

PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi has informed the Chairman of the National Police Commission against the chief police inspectors at the Badulla and Vavuniya Headquarters for failing to enforce election laws.

“We commend the Sri Lanka Police for maintaining law and order during the 2024 Presidential Election, despite the absence of an IGP or Acting IGP. We recognize the efforts of the Senior DIG in charge of elections, as well as the majority of senior police officers and Police OICs, who are working impartially to uphold election laws,” he said.

However, Hettiarachchi claimed that PAFFREL observers had reported instances where the chief police inspector at the Badulla Headquarters arrested several individuals for violating election laws but then released them arbitrarily.

He said a certain officer had also consulted with senior officers regarding these actions.

He also alleged that the Vavuniya Headquarters police inspector had neglected to address removing illegal poster cutouts, disregarding the instructions of the Assistant Election Commissioner.

Hettiarachchi urged the Chairman of the National Police Commission to investigate these issues and take prompt action.

Comments - 7

Security Forces Must Ensure Rule Of Law At All Times Friday, 13 September 2024 08:36 AM

This was the reason some commented yesterday that the Security Forces MUST Ensure fairness and not to get intimidated by the serving and previous so called unprofessional politicians. Their duty is to uphold the Rule Of Law at all times and not to side ANYONE breaking it. Hope all citizens will stay vigil and report any malpractices.

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D P P Prasad Friday, 13 September 2024 10:09 AM

The certain police officers who have been enlisted to the police department should be derived from a decent and prominent family background. Before the 1970s the officers so recruited to the police showcased good attributes. After the 1970s certain officers who joined the police service under the influence of political power were almost performing the duty by becoming the stooges of the politicians. Luckily nowadays the officers are again recruited to the police service based on the results of competitive examinations. But certain officers who wish to get the promotions, transfers and overseas training are still seeking the influence of the ministers so as get what they want hassle free

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Ram P Friday, 13 September 2024 10:14 AM

The key contenders to the hot seat must make a note for the winner to charge sheet these officers for dereliction of duty. Of course the damage is done but action will be a deterrent for the future

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B P Friday, 13 September 2024 10:51 AM

Anura Kumara recently said that the Police is with them and no irregularities would happen.

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Ram p Friday, 13 September 2024 03:35 PM

You are correct BP. In our country viruses are all over and can surface from anywhere anytime

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Dilakshan Seneviratne Friday, 13 September 2024 11:04 AM

Those miscreant officers must be listed by the EC for necessary action, to maintain democracy in our country, which has been eroding since mid 2022.

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The Usual Practice Friday, 13 September 2024 02:31 PM

Rule of Law? Who cares! I'm working my "bud" off to get that promotion!

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