Police will act evenhandedly – IGP

Ridma Dissanayake

The Police will carry out its obligation to ensure equality to citizens in all parts of the country without discrimination against any religion or race, Inspector General of the Police (IGP) N K Illangakoon said. He said certain elements appeared to be making a determined attempt to destroy the racial and religious harmony and co-existence in Sri Lanka. Issuing a special statement, the IGP said there were efforts by certain elements to portray free expressions and statements as conflicts between religions.

“Any kind of view one may have, they must be expressed respecting the law of the land. Finding solutions through negotiations among all parties is the procedure followed in a democratic country,” he said. Sri Lanka is a multi - racial and multi - religious country.

Everyone has the right to follow the religion of their choice and freedom of expression under the Constitution. Sri Lanka lost its peaceful environment for 30 years due to terrorism. President Mahinda Rajapaksa re-created a peaceful environment in Sri Lanka,” he said.