Good Police-public relationship vital - New IGP

Sarath MALALASEKERA

‘A good police-public relationship is vital to build the image of the Police Department, said new Inspector General of Police N K Illangakoon at a ceremony held to welcome him at the Police Headquarters last morning.

The 33rd Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka NK Illangakoon was received at the entrance to the Police Headquarters by Director Police Headquarters Senior SP Bernard Silva while Woman ASP Deemathi Periyaperuma received Mrs. Illangakoon.

Later the new IGP hoisted the National Flag, Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne the Police flag and Senior SP Bernard Silva the Police Headquarters flag.

On the invitation of Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne and DIG Nandana Munasinghe the new IGP inspected the guard of honour accorded to him. The new IGP received blessings of religious dignitaries. Later he lit the traditional oil lamp in the presence of all officers and the invitees.

Addressing the ceremony new IGP Illangakoon expressed his sincere appreciation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, members of the Cabinet, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga for appointing him as the new IGP. “As you are aware after three decades of war against LTTE terrorism, peace has now dawned and the country is heading for rapid development, this is an era where the police have to play a major role as the key authority in law enforcement. Therefore, I will carry out my responsibilities to the best of my ability,” the new IGP said.

“During the period of war, Police played a vital role to safeguard the security of North and East and also protected the rest of the country. A total of 2,588 police officers paid the supreme sacrifice for the motherland whilst 3,225 were seriously wounded in combat, IGP Illangakoon said.

The new IGP promised to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service by introducing advanced technology. Professional standards of discipline will be maintained in order to enhance the image of the police. Special attention will be paid to their welfare and Schemes devised to provide all facilities to them. Promotion and transfer schemes will be streamlined to address their grievances.

“In order to achieve these standards and goals the maximum support of the media is very important. Constructive criticism is welcome, the new IGP added.

He said a majority of policemen are committed to their duties, but unfortunately due to the acts of a few officers, all the good work done by the majority of police officers go unnoticed.

Answering a question from a journalist, the IGP said that investigations into the Katunayake incident have been completed and the dossier of the investigations had been forwarded to the Attorney General for his advice. Director General Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle, Senior DIGs, DIGs, Senior SPs, SPs and other senior and junior members of the police service participated at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police N K Illangakoon will pay homage to the Dalada Maligawa, Kandy today, June 5. He will also call on the Asgiriya and Malwatte Mahanayake Theras.