Tharindu Uduwaragedera episode vs. Rule of Law

Uduweragedera, a well-known journalist appearing frequently on social media was arrested by Borella Police in broad daylight on July 30 and the incident was widely reported in the media. The arrest was made in such a brutal manner as though a dangerous armed criminal was being tackled by men in police uniforms. No law-abiding countryman would approve of this.

The police officers at the scene pounced on the hapless journalist in a manner that looked as though they were responding to some grave misdeeds caused to them personally. These officers seem to have taken the law into their own hands. In an institution like the Police there is no place for such a response.

What must reign is the Rule of Law according to the Constitution. That is what is supreme. And everything else is subject to this supreme law. That is how police officers should behave. Aren’t they being given a training by the AG’s Department on the Rule of Law?

The Donoughmore Commission covering the period 1931-47 reporting on Police Reforms said that the police force at that time was not Blackstone’s conception of what a Police Force should be, to wit: legal custodians appointed to preserve the peace, keep watch and ward in the districts and bring criminals to justice.

Going by what’s happening in the country it looks as if the Police have become custodians appointed by the political authority to bring, by hook or by crook, their opponents to grief rather than to justice.

There is no word yet about any police inquiry or investigation being initiated into the incident although the Human Rights Commission is reportedly inquiring.. Under normal circumstances the Gazetted officer in charge of the District should have immediately visited the scene, recorded statements, and on a prima- facie case made against the errant officers, interdicted them. That is how the discipline of the department could be maintained. Otherwise, it will be woe unto everybody.

The responsibilities of the newly appointed National Police Commission (NPC) are to transform Sri Lanka Police Force into a disciplined, credible, and community-responsive service by entertaining and investigating complaints from members of the public or any aggrieved person against a police officer or the police force and shall provide redress in accordance with the provision as of any law enacted by Parliament with a view to upgrading Human Rights, Public Accountability and respect for the Rule of Law.

Over to you, Mr. Chairman/ NPC
Dr. Kingsley Wickremasuriya
Rtd. Senior DIG Police.
E-mail: Kingsley.Wickremasuriya@gmail.com