Public Security Minister Tiran Alles yesterday ordered the police chiefs to take strict action against the criminals involved in the spate of shootings and murders in the Western and Southern provinces.
The minister had made this order during a discussion with high officials in the police regarding the increase of crimes taking place in the Western and Southern Provinces. Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne had pointed out to the Minister that the increase in murders and crimes in the Southern Province and the Western Province has been partly due to the inefficiency of some senior police officers and police station OIC’s working in those two provinces. Sources said that the IGP had pointed out before the minister that the reason for this situation is that the officials are making false pretences. He is said to have mentioned the names of some such officials.
Minister Alles had told the Inspector General to remove such officers immediately and appoint suitable officers.The Minister had also ordered the Inspector General of Police to strictly enforce the law regarding murderers.
The minister had emphasized that no one will be allowed to exert undue influence in such operations, saying that he has received an assurance in this regard from the President.
The Minister had also told the IGP to declare an amnesty until July 31 to handover unlicensed firearms or firearms with non-renewed licences.
The minister has said that with the expiry of the amnesty period for the surrender of illegal firearms, the police along with other intelligence agencies should launch raids to find such illegal firearms.
Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilake, Inspector General C.D.Wickramaratne, Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General Deshabandu Tennakoon, Southern Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of S.C. Medawatta, Special Task Force Commander DIG Varuna Jayasundara had participated in this discussion.