Police should maintain cordial relations with public - President

Police officers should maintain cordial relations with the public when discharging their duties. They should also be strict and impartial when dealing with public, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The President was participating in a discussion relating to the public security and to recognise shortcomings in the discharge of duties by Police, held recently at the President's House, Kandy.

The discussion was mainly on activities of Police. It was decided to streamline the duties of the Police when dealing with the public and emphasis was made on curtailing the tide of crimes. Allegations against the Police was also discussed.

The President also directed the Police to take immediate action to close new liquor shops if any, particularly around Sripada. Transport facilities and building facilities for the Police stations were also discussed.

Chief Ministers of Central and North Central Province, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, IGP Victor Perera, senior Police officers, several politicians of the area participated.