Appreciation: SSP Donald Mendis

COLOMBO: In a near 30 year career as a police or crime reporter, I had many 'contacts' or 'sources in the Sri Lanka Police force. But there were a few I considered and admired as friends.

Senior Superintendent of Police Donald Mendis was one of the few. He was honest, courageous and was straightforward and believed in doing his duty. I met him first at the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) where he had taken over as Director from another illustrious officer, Hema Weerasinha. Like most officers who headed the PNB, Donald shunned publicity. His name rarely appeared in the news stories of drug busts made by the PNB, a lead followed by some of his successors.

He may not have been a 'supercop' but his slow methodical ways achieved results. From the PNB, he was tasked with the setting up the Bureau of Special Operations (BSO). Many felt Donald and his handpicked men were made "pawns' in a political game to whitewash the sullied image of a senior officer.

Nevertheless, Don and his team did their duty as law enforcers. They achieved outstanding results amidst many obstacles, placed by others or their fraternity known for their dealing with the underworld. Drug barons were powerful enough to get BSO men conducting surveillance arrested by their 'top' friends in the police. When his men were arrested, Donald appeared in courts to get them released.

When their informants could not be paid due to interference from the top, Donald and his team paid the informants out of their pockets. They became a thorn in the side of those far from straight 'cops' and their masters. It is said that some top cops including a senior Gazetted officer who was known as the 'Collector' (he collected the bribes on behalf of his bosses) in Colombo celebrated when the BSO was closed down. He also loved his country deeply.

When information on terrorist activities in areas to which the police had no access reached him, he ensured it reached the correct hands. It was rare for a police officer to do so, owing to the jealousies which exist between the different services and the police.

Upon his retirement, he did not have his own house to move into. He did not even own a car. This was at a time when even junior officers, drawing lesser salaries have built huge houses and own luxurious vehicles. Like some of them from the old school, Donald retained his integrity to the end. May you rest in peace my friend. It was a privilege to have known you.

Panduka Senanayake.