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Implement plan to combat crime, Mahanayake Theras tell IGP

By D. Oliver Silva and Asela Kuruluwansa

;The Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters Most Ven. Rambukwelle Vipassi and Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita yesterday requested the new IGP T. E. Anandarajah to draw up and implement and urgent plan to combat the increasing crime wave in the country and ensure public safety.

They made this request when the new IGP accompanied by Mrs. Anandarajah called on them to receive their blessings after paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.

The IGP and his wife called on the Malwatte prelate at the Malwatte Viharaya and the Asgiriya prelate at the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Ven. Vipassi noted that crime had increased to such an extent that even a person walking in the street was not safe today.

Not only the police but politicians too were responsible for this. It is the responsibility of police to arrest crime even if it cannot be totally eradicated, he said. Ven. Vipassi said he appreciated Anandarajah's appointment as the new IGP and requested him to discharge his duties to the satisfaction of all by obtaining the co-operation of all.

Most Ven. Udugama Buddharakkhita who expressed similar sentiments, drew the IGP's attention to the recent state of road accidents.

He said road rules were observed in the breach by most drivers who paid scant regard to pedestrians. Ven. Buddharakkhita said no one could oppose Anandarajah's appointment because he was the most suitable person for the post. It is well known that as a Hindu, he had the highest regard for Buddhism and other religions.

Ven. Buddharakkhita also invoked blessings on the new IGP and wished him success in all his future endeavours.

Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijeyeratne who was present, thanked Anandarajah for strengthening security arrangements at the Sri Dalada Maligawa when he was acting IGP.

Anandarajah said that as the new IGP he has drawn up a new policy framework for the police force. He said he hoped to work according to a set target.

Police could not tackle crime single handed. They needed the support of the clergy and the public to achieve that objective.

He said he hoped to devolve more powers to DIGs in Ranges and make them solely responsible for arresting crime in their regions.

He would also instruct police to strictly enforce traffic regulations to minimise road accidents. DIG (Central Province) Nimal Mediwake, SSP Asoka Ratnaweera and Kandy Police OIC Edmund Mahendra accompanied the DIG.

Kandy Mayor Kesara Senanayake was also present.

Anandarajah and Mrs. Anandarajah also attended a reception at the Central Province DIGs office. Anandarajah laid the foundation stone for a Cenotaph to be built in memory of dead police heroes at the office compound.

Kandy MMC Raja Pushpakumara handed over a cheque for Rs. 10,000 to Anandarajah as a donation towards the Cenotaph project.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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