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| Thursday, 06 March 2003 |
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by Sarath Malalasekera "In the Police Force, there is no concise, meaningful and forceful process by which officers are able to assert and periodically reaffirm their ethical values and beliefs. The "Oath of Honour" which is a critical initiative designed to fill this long standing need will eventually create a strong binding to cohere every aspect of policing. It provides the Police with a benchmark tool, not only enhancing its professional identity but also furthering its commitment to the mission, vision and ethical values, IGP T.E. Anandarajah said at a media briefing at the Police Headquarters, Colombo yesterday morning. He said that the entire Police Force in the country will take 'Oath of Honour' and 'the Code of Ethics,' at a special swearing-in ceremony which will be held at the Bambalapitiya Police Grounds on Saturday, March 8. IGP T.E. Anandarajah will take the oath first before the Chief Guest, Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, PC, followed by Senior DIGs and DIGs. Senior DIG Gamini Randeni, DIGs Jayantha Wickremaratne and Sarath Kombalavithana, Senior SPs Rienzie Perera and Asoka Wijetilleke also participated at the conference. Police, throughout the world have recognised the need to acknowledge professional reputation, integrity and ethics to be significant needs in the advancement of police professionalism. Considering it in its proper sense, there is a vital need to intensify the awareness and visibility of our ethical standards. The motive of this ceremony is mainly to bring people closer to the Police force. Any officer who fails to comply with the Code of Ethics will be dealt according to the existing law, the IGP said. He emphasised that the 'Oath of Honour' and 'Code of Ethics are mutually supportive and not in any way in conflict with one another. The Code of Ethics, even as modified to reflect local values, is a powerful and comprehensive document that provides considerable specificity and contains details in respect of ethical values and expectations. The 'Oath of Honour' reflects these same values and expectations, but in a more committed and responsible manner to declare dedication to the profession. Ethics may suffer erosion if not persistently reinforced. The 'Oath of Honour, will greatly facilitate institutionalisation through verbal affirmation and an continual reinforcement for all officers and the organisation. Because it is so concise, the Oath of Honour lends itself to immediate retrieval and personal reinforcement during the stressful event, the IGP added.
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