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President stresses importance of reducing crime

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday stressed the need for stemming the present crime wave and urged Interior Minister John Amaratunga to take effective steps to control crime.

Speaking at the 13th Police and Armed Services Practical Pistol Championship 2002 at the Police Training College, Katukurunda, President Kumaratunga said crime has increased over the last 20 years.

She said that if weapons are used for this type of competition, violence can be reduced. It will also reduce the work of Police.

"I am sure Interior Minister John Amaratunga would begin to act in this regard. Because there is an increasing rate of crime in this country. When I held the Defence portfolio, special efforts were made to control crime. It succeeded for a few years, but not all the time. But I understand crime has once again increased," she said.

"But I am glad to note that we are once again using guns for shooting championships and not for killing each other," the President said.

She urged the Commanders of three Armed Forces and the Police to organise such events not only for their service personnel but also for others interested in such activities.

She said modern pistol shooting has been practised in other countries. It was introduced to Sri Lanka by Ravi Jayewardene, son of the late President J.R.Jayewardene. "So we should extend our gratitude to him for initiating this kind of training on this particular weapon to Police and Armed Services."

The President said the inaugural championship of pistol shooting was held in Sri Lanka in 1979. There is an increasing number of participants for the championship, even from other countries.

She also thanked Interior Minister John Amaratunga, the IGP and all others involved in organising and reviving this event after several years of silence.

The President also congratulated the winners of the competition and also wished luck to those who have involved to organise the championship for their future endeavours.

Inspector General of Police T.E. Anandarajah and Deputy Inspector General of Police Nimal Gunatilleke also spoke. Interior Minister John Amaratunga, Lands Minister Rajitha Senaratne and the Commanders of the three Armed Forces were also present.

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