• Police Media Spokesperson, ASP and AAL, F.U. Wootler noted that despite directives from the NPC and the HRC, some officers act the way they want

Much like during the 2004 tsunami and the Covid-19 pandemic, the Police Department was among the institutions that worked on the frontlines when the island was thrown into chaos as Cyclone Ditwah battered the country, triggering floods and landslides in its wake.

As the disaster unfolded, the Police rose above their traditional role of maintaining and enforcing the law to support rescue, evacuation and public safety operations across the affected Districts. Officers were deployed to assist displaced families, regulate traffic along inundated and damaged roads, and maintain order in high-risk areas.

Also, recognising the heightened vulnerability faced by foreign tourists, the Police issued a public announcement during the period of severe and rapidly changing weather conditions, which caused widespread transport disruptions. Designated contact numbers were introduced and officers were appointed specifically to assist tourists affected by the disaster. These arrangements included support through the Airport Police and Tourist Police units, offering guidance on distress situations, personal safety and travel disruptions. In addition, the Tourist Police advised visitors to the island to make use of several dedicated hotlines to receive prompt assistance, protection and direction. The move was aimed at ensuring that tourists stranded or affected by floods and landslides could access timely support and reliable information during the crisis.

Police divisions coordinated closely with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the Armed Forces, the Health authorities and Local Government officials, functioning as key coordination points at the Divisional level. They assisted with evacuations, safeguarded abandoned properties and prevented incidents of looting in evacuated areas.

The Police also played a key role in disseminating verified information to the public, facilitating road closures and issuing safety advisories, while warning against the spread of false or misleading information that could cause panic during the disaster.

The response to Ditwah highlighted the institution’s expanded responsibilities during national emergencies, encompassing humanitarian assistance and public safety alongside law enforcement. As recovery efforts continue, the role played by the Police underscores the growing demands placed on frontline workers during disaster situations.

The Daily Morning met with the Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney-at-law (AAL) F.U. Wootler late last week to gain insight into the role played by the Police in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Tri-Forces and the medical teams were directly involved in rescue and treatment work but what was the Police Department’s role in the aftermath of the cyclone? 

The Police have 84,000 personnel, out of which, 40,000 personnel were deployed for the betterment of the society during this crisis. Our ultimate objective was to see that law and order prevailed and that all aggrieved parties were taken care of. The first job was to see that from the very inception, the Police connected with other stakeholders such as the Divisional Secretariats, the Tri-Forces, the Disaster Management authorities and the civil security institutions, and that we were all together. Our ultimate objective was to save people from dangerous areas. We were helping them, making helpful suggestions to the people, directing the people and escorting them to safe places. At times, the locations were temples, churches, schools, etc. So, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasooriya was very concerned about the people who were affected. Our first objective was to see they were taken to safe places. 

The second was when they left their places of accommodation and their houses, the respective officers in charge (OICs) of the Police stations acted to see their property was taken care of. Each police division had special teams, some deployed in civil attire, organised by the crime branch that patrolled the area. We have arrested a few people on suspicion they were attempting to rob or break in or engage in scams. The third task was for the Police to publicly announce using loudspeakers that wrongdoers do not to act in a manner that would warrant their arrest at this juncture. And all vulnerable people were taken away to safe locations.    

The next issue was innocent deaths. When a death occurs, the Police have to act according to the substantive and procedural laws of this country. Reporting to court, getting the magistrate to the scene, scene of crime investigations, and expertise evidence, all those areas have to be completed and then, at the end, the magistrate orders an autopsy, that is a post-mortem. So, the Police have to find the relatives of the deceased, lead evidence and identify the deceased body and then hand over to the respective relatives for their last rites. All these things were done by the Police, which is very challenging. At times, we had the problem of identifying the corpses. Then, without proper identification we could not proceed with the legal matters. The Police are very concerned over these procedures and continue to assist the public. 

The next issue was taking care the people during the post-disaster period. Our objective was to see they were provided with shelter, food, sanitation and security. Every safe location was provided with two Police officers for their safety, and they assisted in all humanitarian affairs like escorting the deliveries of food and required items for the needy. At times it was very challenging due to the weather conditions. At times the Police officers worked a continuous 18 hour shift per day. Some took care of the roads and directing people on to alternative roads while some assisted in searching for corpses in the debris, which was a very hard job. The IGP cancelled their leave for a few days and even during this time, these officers voluntarily visited their respective Police stations and worked for the betterment of society. Now, since things are improving, we will see to the people’s requirements for infrastructure assistance guidance, counselling and safety. 

Can you give a breakdown of incidents such as scams and crimes that took place during the post-disaster period?

Firstly we were made to understand that some of the wrongdoers were trying to steal underground cables that were used for communication purposes. These were the copper cables, at times the electricity and at times the communication cables; so, there were a few arrests made on those. We gave a message stating that if any member of the public observed any cable to keep the nearest Police OIC or the respective organisation informed. There were thefts, and the Police did arrest some of the perpetrators with legal action pending. 

When the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) gave a warning asking the people to leave, were any measures taken? 

After receiving the directives from the Disaster Management Centre, the NBRO requested the Police to assist in vacating dangerous areas which were also notified by the Meteorological Department. The Police then escorted the people to safe locations. 

Were there any issues inside the camps which the Police had to deal with? 

Actually, there were no such incidents. 

Before the cyclone, there were a spate of crimes and murders when some of the criminals were arrested while they were abroad. Can you tell us how it was done or the procedures the Police followed?     

Getting wanted persons from overseas cannot be done easily. There has to be laws of extradition. The Police have laws of extradition with countries. And then, the mutual trust amongst those countries. And with the support of the International Criminal Police Organisation, we were able to get down 20 wanted organised criminals to Sri Lanka and there are more to be repatriated. We were very optimistic about these arrests. Special teams have been deployed to investigate into these matters. 

There are allegations of Police brutality on arrested persons. How accurate are these accusations?

We the Police will not safeguard or whitewash any of the wrongdoers in the policing system. The IGP is very much concerned over brutal attacks or assaults because the Constitution very clearly states (Article 11) that no person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment. So, the IGP himself has laid out Circulars on how to act at a time of arrest, detention and searches, and during investigations, etc. So, the Police are aware of the law. They should know the law. There is a maxim that everybody has to know the law. The Police have their responsibility and obligations. But, despite these directives from the National Police Commission (NPC) and the Human Rights Commission (HRC), there are some officers who act the way they want. However, they were dealt with in the higher courts and disciplinary actions was taken against them.

Are there any techniques or measures that have been taken to prevent such incidences besides the IGP’s regulations?

Once a week, there are awareness programmes in all Police colleges and from the very inception, all recruits are being given awareness programmes to see that Police officers will act responsibly. 

What about bodycams and closed circuit television (CCTV) camera systems within Police stations? Have the Police given any thought to this? 

There are over 9,000 Traffic Police officers in the country. The IGP is making efforts to see that all officers do wear cameras – which you could say are the bodycams. And that is for the betterment of the society and viz-a viz for the respective officers as well. Also, there are CCTV in some Police stations and the IGP is trying to get it done all over the island. 

Promotions and transfers within the Police, how do those take place?

There is a structure for Police transfers and promotions which have been directed by the NPC. There transfer areas are year-end transfers, urgencies of services, any OIC will have to go away after three years of service, mutual transfers from either party, and on disciplinary grounds. 

Do the Police officers also have a certain period where and when they are stationed? 

OICs are transferred every three years and other officers after five years. 

What is the status of the IGP being given the power of transferring and appointing OICs? 

He has the authority to submit suggestions and recommendations for OICs to the NPC for consideration. And to assist in other feasible administrative measures of the organisation. 

There have been incidences in the past where narcotics have been found in the custody of Police personnel. How has the Police acted under such circumstances and what actions have been taken to ensure this does not happen? 

Police officers are not imported from overseas. They are your brothers and sisters. In every basket, there could be rotten eggs. Some Police officers are corrupt and some are drug addicts. The IGP has taken stern action to remove them from the system. Around 400 people have faced such charges and they have been kept away from policing matters. 

The HRC has written to the President about the Emergency law that was implemented following the disaster. However, after its implementation, instructions were issued to act against those insulting the President and Ministers on social media. How do the Police view this, do they feel that it amounts to the politicisation of the Police? 

It is not politicised. This is for the sole requirement of the extraordinary gazette notification. The President wanted to see that all matters during this devastation were to take care of the people, the society, and safeguard them and to see that emergency services or relief was being done without any hindrance or obstruction. There had been instances when some of the media personnel or YouTubers misused this privilege and were trying to make the public fearful, create unrest and disorder in the country. The Police will not tolerate these actions and the Criminal Investigation Department will take action against them. 

When the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairperson was shot, there was a request from him saying there are threats against him, how does the Police review the situation and arrive at the decision they need Police security? 

Any citizen of this country will be able to request for any kind of security if he or she is under threat. Regarding all these threats, when protection is being requested, there should be a threat analysis. After a threat study of the situation, the IGP will definitely provide security. 

What about the promotions of women in the Police force? There is only one woman Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)? How can they move forward towards the higher ranks in the force? 

There are about 9,000 women in the Police force. They represent all ranks from the DIG down to the lowest rank. So, their support services are well respected. And, even during hardships, they perform a good job. And, they have been well respected by the society for their assistance and support. 

What about the mental health conditions of Police personnel as there have been instances where they have taken their own lives using their service weapons? 

They are very stable. But, at times, we observe that some of the Police officers, when they have their own problems such as matrimonial issues, and personal matters, they tend to commit suicide. We have experienced such issues. But, the Police Hospital is equipped with counsellors. And, if someone from the force feels that he/she needs some assistance, the hospital is open 24 hours daily and is ready to assist. There have been instances when some officers act on their own and we have referred them for counselling.