Rule Of Thumb For Police Spokesman: “If You Are In Doubt – Leave It Out”

By Ranga Kalansooriya –January 29, 2016

Dr Ranga Kalansooriya

The infamous Embilipitiya incident turned yet another page on the story of Sri Lanka Police in many fronts – but professionalism being the foremost factor. The entire episode still depicting the fact that how unprofessional our police force has been in handling crisis issues and the damage controlling efforts in the aftermath of such a crisis.

But there seems to be two clear sets of officials when it comes to their professional conduct. The most senior officials including the Inspector General handled it in a professional manner without attempting to cover up the wrong-doing of his junior officials, as I see it. Added to this credit is Senior DIG Chandana Wickramaratne who prepared a thorough investigative report on the incident that left no stone unturned.

Senior DIG Wickramaratne’s attempt was somewhat contrary to his own colleagues who tried to justify the brutal attack on protesting HNDE students through holding press conferences a several months ago. Their justification of the attack proved wrong within a few weeks as the police commission found it erroneous and took action against the officials involved.

Former Anandian Senior DIG Wickramaratne is known for his professionalism within the rank and file since he joined police force as a young graduate commissioned officer in early 90s. He exposed the unprofessional conduct of his junior officers in the Embilipitiya police division through his lengthy report to the Police Chief while recommending seeking advises from the Attorney General to take legal action against the errant officials. Thus, the magistrate ordered the arrest of an ASP and the Embilipitiya HQI on Wednesday (27). More action to follow.

As reported in the media, Senior DIG Wickramaratne’s report was explicit about the totally uncalled-for conduct of these concerned police officers of Embilipitiya. This particular incident not only demands stern action against those officials, but also a total assessment on the psychological status of the men and women in police uniform. A comprehensive study is required – first to understand the reasons behind their unusual conduct and then find solutions to those issues through a comprehensive process of perception change. It may also require structural changes within the police force since most of those unstable conditions are derived from job frustration – a common lamenting that one could hear from almost every police officer.Read More