Treat public with respect - IGP Illangakoon

‘Those who violate road rules will be punished’:

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Those who violate road rules should be punished, but,Police personnel should deal with the public in a respectful manner, Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K.Illangakoon said.

IGP N.K.Illangakoon

“There were 599 major fatal road accidents reported in Sri Lanka from January 01 to March 25. According to statistics, the number of persons who died in road accidents is higher than the number who die due to crimes”,he added.

“According to Police reports, the number of deaths due to road accidents has decreased from six to four at present. However, the Police has taken a number of measures to reduce the number of road accidents”,he stated.

The IGP was addressing the awards ceremony for the policemen who followed the 21st and 22nd Junior Traffic Management Courses - 2011 at the Crime Record Division (CRD), yesterday. This course is conducted by the Traffic Police Headquarters under the guidance of IGP Illangakoon and Traffic Administration and Road Safety Director SSP K.Arsaratnam.

Two hundred and seventeen police personnel in the Sergeant and Constable ranks received medals and certificates for completing this two month course. Theory and practical training in traffic management were part of the training course.

“Speeding drivers, drunk driving, using hand phones while driving and carelessness are the main reasons for road accidents. Reducing the number of road accidents and preventing the public from meeting with accidents are the main responsibilities of the Traffic Police Division”, the IGP said.

The IGP urged all police personnel to provide an effective and efficient service to the public and deal with them in a friendly manner.

Senior DIG (Administration) Gamini Nawaratne, Western Province Senior DIG Anura Senanayake and Police Media Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana were also present.