Online edition of Daily News

'Victim Protection Laws' should be implemented in Sri Lanka to protect prosecution witnesses giving evidence against underworld gang leaders arrested for criminal cases, new Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando said.

IGP Chandra Fernando inspecting the guard of honour accorded to him at the Police Headquarters yesterday. Director Police Headquarters Senior SP Mahinda Hettiarachchi and Additional Director Police Headquarters SP Ranjith Gunasekera are also in the picture.

Prior to assuming duties, the IGP participated in religious ceremonies performed by the Maha Sangha and other religious heads.

Addressing the media for the first time after assuming duties as the 29th IGP at the Police Headquarters yesterday morning, the IGP said 'Victim Protection Laws' are important because once the suspect is arrested, to prove the case, evidence should be given in open court regarding the crime committed by the suspect.

Emphasising the media's role in the fight against crime, the IGP said: "We need strong support from the media and the public to maintain law and order."

IGP Fernando named senior officers tasked with combating crime, controlling traffic, intelligence functions, higher training, legal and communication.

They are Senior DIG Bodhi Liyanage and DIGs Kumarasiri Gamage, Jayantha Wickremaratne, Victor Perera, Punya de Silva, Sarath Kombalavithana, Nimal Lewke, Mahinda Balasuriya, Gunasena Thenabadu, Jayantha Paranathala and Gamini Silva.

The Swedish and French Embassies are assisting the Sri Lanka Police to train personnel in modern techniques of arresting underworld elements. "We have special arrangements to control killing of our intelligence personnel," he said.

The Police Commission consists of eminent personalities including lawyers, doctors and advisors. This team is very strong,' the IGP added.

"To control hard drug trafficking special branches have been set up in the Eastern province. A special arrangement has been made to stop the killing of police intelligence personnel," the new IGP said.

Honest police officers will be rewarded while Policemen should have a good rapport with the public to build a good image of the force, he said.