Police Day celebrated on different note

Sarath MALALASEKERA

Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne deviating from the normal procedure, hoisting flags and conducting parades, yesterday celebrated the 142nd Police Day on a different note by organising massive blood donation campaigns countrywide, visiting the Narahenpita Police Hospital and distributing 44 wheelchairs to the inmates, who were injured during the conflict and attending a special Pooja at the Sambodhi Viharaya at the Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo yesterday evening.

Several other religious ceremonies - Hindu, Catholic and Muslim were also conducted at 411 police stations in the country.

The IGP emphasised that he did not want to use Police funds for these ceremonies, and obtained necessary assistance for these ceremonies from National Lotteries Board Chairman Upali Gunaratne.

The Police Funds will be used only for the benefit and welfare of the police personnel, the IGP said.

The IGP visited the Narahenpita Police hospital with Police Seva Vanitha President Mrs. Anoma Goonetilleke Wickremaratne, Senior DIG N.K. Ilangakoon and several Senior DIGs and DIGs and spoke to the inmates.

“We are now marching towards peace. We will achieve total peace in Sri Lanka soon,” IGP Wickremaratne said addressing the ceremony held at the Police Hospital.

He paid a glowing tribute to gallant personnel of the Sri Lanka Police Force who have made the supreme sacrifice to maintain law and order and bring peace to the motherland.

“I extend to all ranks of the Police the warmest greetings and on behalf of the Police Force to the people of this country a peaceful and harmonious future,” IGP Wickremaratne said.

The Police Department yesterday celebrated its 142nd Police Day at a ceremony at the Bambalapitiya Police Grounds.

The main event was a blood donation campaign organised by the Police Welfare Division.

Senior DIGs, DIGs, retired Senior Police Officers, members of the Retired Inspectors’ Association and several other police officers of all ranks attended the ceremony.