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President tells Security Forces, Police to be impartial

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday warned that Security Forces and Police personnel who fail to discharge their responsibility of maintaining law and order would face stringent legal action.

In a special directive issued to all ranks of Security Forcers and police, President Kumaratunga said they should ensure that no damage is done to life and property of any person belonging to any political party.

The President's statement:

"The General Election has ended. I respect the verdict of the people and will accordingly implement the powers vested in me under the Constitution.

"At this moment, the Security Forces Commanders, all officers and rankers, the IGP and all police personnel should act impartially, according to the law.

"The Police and the Security Forces cannot deviate from or neglect upholding the law under any circumstances. It is therefore essential and compulsory for Security Forces and Police personnel to fulfil their duties to the best of their ability.

"They should not allow any one to damage lives and property of any person belonging to any political party. The responsibility of the police is to duly record complaints received by them and take appropriate legal action. They are legally bound to do so.

"My Government has guaranteed the conduct of free and fair elections since it was voted into power in 1994. My Government has always acted to prevent post-election violence. I am committed to maintain and continue this tradition as the Executive President and Defence Minister.

"As President, Defence Minister and Commander-in-Chief, I am fully empowered to issue directives to the Security Forces and the police. These orders should be complied with to the letter.

"I will not hesitate to take stringent legal action against any Security Forces or police officer who acts extraneous to these directives or neglects them, regardless of his rank and stature." 

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