When guardians of the law collide: Call for restraint and respect

AS a Police officer who has served this nation for over four decades — beginning my career as a Sub-Inspector and rising through the ranks to Senior Superintendent of Police — I write these reflections not merely as an observer, but as one who has lived the law from within the uniform.

- By Mahil Dole

When officers of the law and interpreters of the law stand opposed, justice becomes vulnerable

I come from a proud line of policemen: a third-generation officer and the son of a constable who rose to the rank of Chief Inspector. Over the years, I have served as Officer-in-Charge of police stations across the country, Headquarters Inspector of Galle, Assistant Superintendent of Police in Galle and Hambantota, and later as Deputy Director of Counter Terrorism at the State Intelligence Service. Following retirement, I had the privilege of serving as a diplomat abroad and as an Investigation Advisor at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

It is from this lifetime of service — witnessing both the strengths and the shortcomings of our system — that I reflect on a troubling incident and its deeper meaning for the institutions entrusted with justice.

“Dhammo Bhave Rakkhati Dhammachari” — “He who lives by the Dhamma (law) is protected by the Dhamma.”

The emblem of the Sri Lanka Police stands for courage, justice, honour, and moral integrity. The elephant in the Sri Lanka Police emblem symbolises the noble qualities that define the spirit of policing — strength, wisdom, discipline, and dignity. Revered in Sri Lankan culture as a creature of immense power and intelligence, the elephant represents the ability to exercise authority with calm restraint and moral courage. Its presence in the emblem reflects the ideal that true strength lies not in aggression, but in controlled and purposeful action. It also connects the Police Service to Sri Lanka’s royal and cultural heritage, where the elephant served as a symbol of guardianship, state power, and honour.