A Sri Lanka Police sub-inspector, bowed and extended apologies to three individuals during a legal proceeding taken up in open court.
This incident is linked to a threat that occurred when an unauthorized entry was made into a private institution situated in the Colpetty back in 2021.
In 2021, the sub-inspector affiliated with the Colpetty Police forcefully entered a private institution, dressed in civilian attire and armed, accompanied by several other police officers, while an internal disciplinary investigation was ongoing at the institution.
Subsequently, he issued threats to two officers from the institution's human resources department, including a lawyer who was present during the disciplinary investigation proceedings.
The sub-inspector was the initial respondent in a petition filed in relation to the incident.
Yesterday (01), the sub-inspector extended apologies to the complainants in the Court of Appeal.
The Sub-Inspector extended his apologies as per the Sinhala Tradition by placing his hands together and bowing down.
The Sub-Inspector thus apologized to Attorney-at-Law Miyuru Igalahewa, the Human Resources Manager of the Private Institutions, and its Assistant Human Resources Manager.
He made the apology in the presence of Justices Menaka Jayasundara, and Mohamed Lafar.
When the case was called up, the bench of the Court of Appeal stressed that public trust in the Police Department has collapsed.
During the court proceedings, the bench clarified that its order were not intended as an insult to the police force; rather, they underscored a matter of deep concern.
The bench emphasized the fundamental rights of individuals, affirming their right to advocate for these rights.
Furthermore, the bench highlighted that had the aggrieved party pursued a fundamental rights case, compensation might have been attainable for the incident.
The judges stressed that police officers must adhere to the regulations governing their duties, cautioning against unnecessary displays of power.
The bench pointed out that the unnecessary use of power had led to such a situation.
The bench specifically noted that officers should consistently wear their official uniform and carry their identification when conducting official duties and raids.
They added that the failure to do so could lead to misinterpretation, with people confusing legitimate operations with unauthorized actions.
The bench acknowledged that even criminal elements are capable of conducting such raids, emphasizing that public officials should not emulate such behavior.
The bench firmly stated that possessing a police ID card and uniform does not grant unlimited authority, and police officers should not maintain such attitude.
The bench noted emphasized the importance of thorough investigations and stressed that raids should not be initiated solely based on a complaint.
They also stressed that there was opportunity for the police to gather information from the security officers attached to the private institution, with regard to the said incident.
The bench sternly admonished the sub-inspector, instructing to refrain from such actions in the future.
Furthermore, they directed the sub-inspector to formally apologize to the affected parties in accordance with the protocols of the Sinhala traditional system.
President's Counsel Sanjaya Jayawardene represented the petitioners in the case.
(Newsfirst)
