Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament on Wednesday that the government is treating as extremely serious a statement by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam concerning a plot to assassinate the Inspector General of Police in public.
Wijepala confirmed that the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau has already opened an investigation into the matter after receiving a complaint, and said instructions had been issued to complete the inquiry expeditiously.
The minister said the government would ensure the protection of the Inspector General of Police and of all officers serving under him as they continue efforts to combat crime, corruption and drug trafficking.
”A threat to the rule of law”
Wijepala described the remarks as a threat to the rule of law, to public order and to the country’s justice system, and said the matter would not be treated lightly.
He alleged that the statement appeared to be a reaction to the independent, impartial and transparent manner in which police are pursuing investigations against individuals implicated in bribery, corruption, fraud and the alleged misuse of public assets.
Those now criticising the investigations, the minister claimed, were linked to political movements that had previously obstructed justice in major criminal cases, robberies and incidents involving the destruction of public property. He argued that growing law enforcement scrutiny had created anxiety among those under investigation, and that this was reflected in the statements now being directed at the police chief.
Background to the inquiry
Authorities have begun probing a range of serious crimes including murders, financial fraud and allegations relating to the misappropriation of public assets, Wijepala said, adding that no individual or political group would be permitted to obstruct or influence those investigations.
The remarks at the centre of the inquiry were made by Kariyawasam at a media briefing on Monday. The government ordered an investigation on Tuesday after Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the comments implied the country’s police chief could be assassinated in public.
Wijepala closed by pledging that neither the current anti-corruption drive nor ongoing operations against organised crime and drug trafficking would be weakened by political pressure or threats, and assured Parliament that officers working under the IGP would be given the security needed to carry out their duties without fear or interference.
Kariyawasam’s response to the minister’s parliamentary statement has not been reported.
Sources: NewsFirst.
