Hats off to police for exceptional efficiency

The Sri Lanka Police have been wonderfully efficient. During 22 days, from June 20 to July 12, our Police have arrested 10,648 out of 12,588 wanted persons.

The government has heeded the people’s call (or thanks to the three Provincial Councils elections) for refraining from protecting criminals. The President has directed the IGP to arrest criminals. Within 22 days from June 20 to July 12 the Police have arrested 10,648 persons. It is reported that there are 12,588 warrants issued. But, if not for the public outcry, these 12,588 perpetrators of crime would have gone scot free. However there are some questions arising from the high octane performance on the part of the police.

Why did IGP wait till he was ordered by the President to arrest these perpetrators of crime?

Will this kind of impartially, enthusiasm, efficiency and momentum remain after the elections to the three Provincial councils?

Will the cases against these 12,588 culprits be processed to the point of punishing them in an environment free from interference political or otherwise and threats?

If any of these offenders is sentenced to death will such sentence be executed or will they be allowed to "enjoy the prison life." A drug baron who was sentenced to death for murdering High Court Judge Ambepitiya in 2004 is enjoying the prison life.

The Constitution has been used, misused or abused to they pardon the perpetrators of various crimes including rapes and child abuse. (People can remember how Gonawala Sunil a convict serving a jail term for raping a girl was pardoned using President’s powers under Constitution and appointed him as a Justice of Peace). People know how the precious UPFA government with a simple majority in Parliament consolidated itself by luring a large number of opposition MPs accused of various forms of corruption and criminal activities such as rape charges into joining its ranks. The Island in its editorial on July 11, 2012 says, "What drives most people to crime is the sense of being able to harm others without being harmed or found out." If they have proper political connection or know the ways and means of contacting the appropriate authorities concerned they can harm others without being harmed or found out. Powerful perpetrators of crimes whether they are pro-government anti-government or neutral know more than one way to skin a cat.

Justin Keppetiyagama

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