Police top brass briefed on vital law and order issues

The Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando and Senior DIGs were briefed on a host of law and order issues including the conduct of a free and fair, violence free, election at a special conference held on October 12 presided by the Secretary of Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order Tilak Ranaviraja.

Ranaviraja told the top police officials that every effort should be made to enforce the election laws to ensure an election free of violence during the run up to the poll as well as after the elections. He said stern action should be taken against offenders. He said that the President has pledged her fullest support to ensure that laws are applied equally to all.

He also said that the adequate security should be provided to the candidates contesting the Presidential election depending on the extent of risks and dangers the candidates are exposed to. The Secretary also stressed on the need to take more positive action at crime prevention in general.

While there had been prompt action taken to bring offenders to book, there is the need to keep vigilence by conducting patrolling of areas and swift co-ordinated action soon after commission of a crime. Clean up operations should be conducted in areas which are noted for crimes where criminal elements are active.. Public co-operation should be obtained in tackling crime.

More surprise checks and raids should be conducted to detect illicit small arms which are the cause of major crimes committed.

In the matter of traffic accidents, though there had been noticeable improvement in traffic control there is the need to more stringent enforcement of the traffic laws. More awareness and educative campaigns should be carried out to reduce accidents.

He also stressed on the need to enforce more effective action on drug trafficking and illicit sale and consumption of liquor in public places. Action should be taken on such offenders irrespective of their social standing.

Ranaviraja said that a set of guidelines are now being worked out in the operation of hotels, restaurants, karokes, clubs and other recreational establishments in order to ensure that these establishments operate strictly within the framework of the laws of the country and not for purposes other than they have been legally permitted to undertake.

Police should conduct surprise checks at establishments which flout the laws specially those who serve liquor without licences and consumption of liquor at unauthorised and public places.