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Police officers must enjoy rights with restrictions: Nihal Thalduwa

17 Apr 2022

  • Police Spokesman says disciplinary inquiry underway
By Buddhika Samaraweera Noting that a disciplinary inquiry is currently being conducted at the Police Department level against the police officer who recently expressed his support for the protest at Galle Face Green, demanding the resignation of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Government, the Police stated that police officials have to enjoy fundamental rights (FRs) subject to certain restrictions.  Speaking to The Morning yesterday (17), Police Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa said: “A judicial proceeding is now being carried out against this officer. If there is a judicial process against any police officer, there will inevitably be a disciplinary inquiry at the departmental level. Accordingly, the preliminary work of the disciplinary inquiry regarding this officer has already commenced.” He also said that when the police officer in question was produced before court, the court had advised him to not participate in any activities unrelated to his duty while in uniform. He is scheduled to appear in court again on 29 April. Commenting on the said officer’s expression of support for the protest, Thalduwa said: “Police officers are bound to abide by the provisions of the Police Ordinance. In particular, security forces, including the Police, have to enjoy FRs subject to certain restrictions. That is why we are not able to engage in trade union activities.” Pointing out that it is usually one of the duties of the Police to control protests and other riots, he said that if a police officer in uniform supports such protests, there would be problems with the performance of police duties. Nearly 1,000 people are still engaged in a public protest staged against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa, and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)-led Government at the Galle Face Green premises, with the demonstration marking its 10th consecutive day today (18). On 14 April, the police officer in question participated in the said protest, while in uniform, expressing support to the protestors.


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