IGP should desist from making political comments

ONE would expect the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to avoid making political statements but going by the remarks he has been making of late and the manner in which the Police Department continues to showcase and question apprehended suspects, it is prudent to ask if those entrusted with upholding the law actually know the law.

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For example, IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya thought nothing of accusing an Opposition MP, namely Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana, of having connection to underworld figures in public comments he made this week.

This after the SJB MP claimed he had received death threats and has sought Police protection.

“It has been revealed that the MP has certain links with individuals involved in organised crime. We are conducting investigations to determine the basis of these threats,” the IGP told reporters, adding that some individuals connected to organised crime and drug trafficking have entered politics and are seeking to expand their influence at the national level.

He seems to be echoing the words of Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala who accused the slain Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Lasantha Wickramasekara of links to criminal gangs which resulted in his killing.