Abiding by law, duty and responsibility of all citizens

Parliament Affairs Secretary Kumarasiri Hettige :

Parliament Affairs Secretary of the President Kumarasiri Hettige said abiding by the law is a duty and responsibility of all honourable citizens and should never be deemed as a belittlement.

He stated that the role played by police to maintain law and order should not be taken lightly and should be appreciated by all those who cherish freedom and security.

Hettige made these observations, participating as the chief guest at a function held recently at the Kosmodara Sri Subodharama Vihara, Kotapola, Deniyaya on the Importance of Police and Public Relations for creating a peaceful and law-abiding society.

A large gathering representing various sections of the society were present on the occasion. The event was organized under the guidance of Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Ranjith Padmasiri.

Speaking further Hettige said, Police are there for the protection of the people. All law-abiding citizens expect security and freedom. Therefore it is a duty as well as a responsibility of citizens to extend their co-operation to police. It is not fair to blame the entire police force.

When the country is heading towards rapid development, peace, discipline and orderliness should prevail in the society. Under the instructions of the President, the Defence Secretary and the Inspector General are acting in a pro-people manner to attain this objective. But none of these would serve any purpose if parents did not carry out their duties by their children. A child who is shown the right path from the very beginning does not inflict any harm on society. A law-abiding and disciplined society can be created by bringing into being such a generation of children.

Parents should ensure that their actions do not cause any harm to their children. I was profoundly shocked by two unfortunate incidents encountered recently by two young men. A young graduate faced the interview for the selection of Sub Inspectors and he came out with flying colours.

But he was not selected. The reason was that his father had been a convict of an illicit liquor case. Another youth, while serving as a magistrate had to vacate his post on a complaint made to the Judicial Services Commission. When these two young people met me and narrated these incidents, tears came into my eyes.

Parents who truly love their children should never engage in any anti-social act. Penalizing children for offences committed by their parents is a serious problem.

These are the real social issues. If there is a wholesome relationship between parents and children such problems would not occur. Some parents are afraid of their children and its end could be tragic.

A Sanskrit stanza has interpreted that mothers who do not instil discipline in their children as female adversaries of those children and such fathers as enemies of those children. When King Dileepa was giving chase to a deer, two hermits who were nearby appeared before the king and stated "My lord, this bow and arrow is given to you not to harass the innocent, but to protect them."

Police officers who are vested with powers should exercise caution in using their powers. Only through that the police-public relationship could be preserved."

During the function, Hettige also awarded special gifts to several residents who helped police in preventing crimes.

The Chief Incumbent of the Kosmodara Vihara, the Venerable Thalangalle Punnassara Thera and several others also addressed the gathering.