Herath vows to end ‘old culture’ of political meddling in Police

 By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

While claiming that the NPP government would break away from the ‘old culture’ of political influence, on the police operations, new Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday assured that Officers-In-Charge (OICs) of police stations would not receive directives from politicians hereafter.  

“Officers-In-Charge (OICs) of police stations would not receive directives from political figures hereafter, so the police can carry out their duties without undue pressure from government officials,” the minister told media. 

Herath officially took office yesterday as the Minister of Public Security.  He said that the most pressing issue currently facing the ministry is the passport issuance.   

He said that steps are already being take to solve the passport issue. “Discussions are underway to eliminate passport queues as much as possible. The new passport system will be introduced between October 15 and 20. I hope to address this issue by that time. I also informed the authorities to submit proposals for alternative methods to expedite the process,” he said.  

Herath acknowledged the public’s diminished trust in the police and stressed the importance of restoring that confidence.   

“As the new minister, along with my secretary and senior police officers, we bear the responsibility to ensure the public believes in the Sri Lanka Police. I know rebuilding trust will take time,” he said.  
The minister urged senior police officers to address any previous wrongdoing in enforcing law 
and order.   

The minister urged senior police officers to rectify if there were any previous wrongdoing while implementing law and order. “ “I will give officers the freedom to act independently in upholding law and order.