Police can claim fair share in eradication of terrorism - Outgoing IGP

Sarath Malalasekera

Outgoing IGP Victor Perera said the police force can proudly claim a fair share in the Government's endeavour to eradicate terrorism and protect the territorial integrity of mother land.

The IGP was speaking at a ceremony to bid farewell to him at the Bambalapitiya Police Grounds yesterday evening.

The IGP said the Department throughout its history spaning over 14 decades has faced numerous challenges and stands tall to face the future.

Senior DIGs, DIGs, Senior SPs , SPs, ASPs and other ranks of officers were present at the ceremony yesterday.

The outgoing IGP Victor Perera accompanied by the New IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne and Senior DIG N.K. Illangakoon inspected a colourful parade at the Police Grounds.

He also paid a tribute to police personnel who laid their lives for the protection of country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He thanked all ranks of officers who gave their utmost support to him while he was in office for the last several years. He especially thanked Senior DIGs Bodhi Liyanage, Kumarasiri Gamage, Sirisena Herath and Jayantha Wickremaratne for their assistance to him during his tenure of office.

A number of underworld and criminal gangs were effectively dealt with thereby eliminating fear psychosis in the people's minds. The administration of the criminal justice system has been energised through closer rapport between the Police and the Judiciary during the past few years, he said.

"We have seen the establishment of the Strategic Development Division which has received the community policing process," Perera said.

The frustration among the rank and file has been to a very great extent removed by conducting rank to rank promotions. The good work exhibited in the field of Police duties has been duly recognised, he added.

After the parade the outgoing IGP Victor Perera posed for a group photograph with the New IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne and other Senior Police Officers. Field Force DIG Nimal Lewke supervised the security at the ceremony assisted by Commandant Ananda Wijesinghe and Chief Inspector Dammika Dayananda OIC Field Force HQ.