The Northern Province Police have launched a programme to implement the mission ‘Friendly Police’ with a slogan ‘Oba Wenuwen Api – Sri Lanka Police’ to win the confidence of the people in this battered province. Northern Province Police led by S/DIG Nimal Lewke has identified the present role of the Police in the North where the people had suffered tremendous hardships during three decades of war.

Northern Province Police have identified that they had to play a major role in assisting the people to re-focus their lives after a cruel conflict, which destroyed their hopes. The concept was very clear. They had to give the people confidence to work for a better future for them as well as for their children. "The youth should feel comfortable and have faith that they will have a bright future. The most important need is social justice for them to lead a contented living," a police spokesman said

The Police, to achieve their goals, have formed Village Development Committees in all areas where Police Stations /Posts are located. For this purpose the cooperation of Grama Niladaris, religious dignitaries, leaders of farmers, fishemen, Principals of schools etc. who will look into the needs of the area and the people have been sought. The OIC of the relevant Police Station will coordinate by appointing Police personnel to these committees.

Police have also set up several other organizations to help the needy people involved in the re-settlement process. They also plan to enlist the support of the private sector.

During the last weekend, all Police Stations in the Northern Province carried out a well co-ordinated Sramadana Campaign in all the re-settled villages to help the people repair or build their houses, clean wells, improve roads etc.

Basic requirements such as obtaining birth certificates, admitting children to schools, and guidance to get medical assistance were also documented to initiate action to help them meet the shortcomings. Police are committed and determined to make the life of these people comfortable.

The opportunity that has arisen has given a chance to show the concern of the government towards the people in the Northern Province, the spokesman said.

The government development programme, will strengthen the livelihood of the people in the Northern Province and be a key issue in combating terrorism, as poverty was one of the reasons for the youth to join the terrorist movement in desperation.

The Northern Province Police personnel, with all the experience gained over the years and with the guidance of the new IGP Mahinda Balasuriya and the S/DIG Nimal Lewke, launched the programme "Friendly Police" as a strategy to make sure that people to feel that they have a future under the able and strong leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has displayed absolute commitment and determination to bring all Sri Lankans under one flag.

"Our mission is to make the Northern Province a better place to live," the police spokesman said.