Policemen transferred for planting trees instead of providing security to helicopter

• They were originally deployed to provide security for a private  helicopter, used to airlift a chief guest for the event

By Upali Ananda-Anuradhapura

Three police officers, including the traffic OIC of the Rajanganaya police, have been transferred after being found planting trees during a tree planting ceremony at Rajanganaya Yaya 18 while they were originally deployed to provide security for a private helicopter, which was used to airlift a chief guest for the event, sources said. 

Government officials including village officials and agricultural inspectors were also present at this tree planting programme organized by the people in the area.

Initial investigations revealed that during persons who organised the tree planting ceremony had invited the police officers, who were deployed to protect the helicopter to take part in the programme. Two police officers had planted trees, which were located less than fifty meters away from the landing site of the helicopter. The remaining officer stood guard near the helicopter, ensuring its security.

After photos of the tree planting programme were shared on social media, a senior police officer of the North Central Province who paid attention to this matter had ordered the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of Anuradhapura Division Jayantha Pushpakumara to conduct an investigation and take appropriate action against the relevant police officers.  They said that the SSP in charge of Anuradhapura division is conducting an investigation against these three officers regarding the incident.