Opposition expresses concerns over politicisation of the police force

Opposition United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya says the police have lost their credibility due to politicisation.

Jayasuriya expressing views on the establishment of a National Police Academy has told parliament that all successive governments had to accept responsibility for this issue.

He has said that while there were a few honest officers in the police force, the reputation of the police had fallen due to continuous political interference.

Jayasuriya has pointed out that some police officers who heed orders from governing party politicians have even been appointed as officers-in-charge of police stations.

Meanwhile, Democratic National Alliance (DNA) parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti has expressed concerns over the deterioration of the law and order situation in the country.  Referring to the recent incidents in Dompe and Moratuwa, Handunnetti has said the incidents were a sign of a disturbing trend in the country.  However, the National Police Academy Bill was unanimously passed in parliament.  The academy, to be managed and administered by a board of management, is to conduct a diploma course that comprises training on tackling organised crime.

The proposed academy will be equipped with necessary expertise from various fields such as law, criminology, investigation, public relations, forensics, information technology and management.