New IGP not keen on independent commission

By Hiranthi Fernando

New police chief Lucky Kodituwakku has indicated he is not in favour of a proposal for the setting up of an independent police commission, primarily intended to curb political interference and corruption in the police.

In an interview with The Sunday Times soon after he assumed what is one of the most important and sensitive posts in the country, Inspector General Kodituwakku said the level of political interference in the police was not so serious and the level of corruption insignificant.

The main opposition UNP has been proposing an independent police commission on the basis of excessive political interference in the police service which is widely criticised and derided. Reports also suggest that corruption in police ranks is extensive.

But the new IGP was evasive on some of these questions and issues.

Lakdasa Kodituwakku or Lucky as he is popularly known assured a greater commitment to ensure human rights for all, more co-operation with the people and more courtesy.

He also called for more public co-operation with the police because friendship is something mutual.

IGP Kodituwakku who counts 32 years service in the police force said priority was now being given to tackling organised crime and he was satisfied with the progress during the past four months after the President gave orders for a crackdown. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: On the day you took office, the President gave you specific instructions to tackle the growing problem of treasure hunters who recently robbed the guardstones from Watadage. How do you intend doing this?

A: Not only treasure hunters, the President also wants us to tackle all forms of organised crime which poses a threat to the very roots of democracy. We have to go all out against it and bring the criminals to justice.

Weapons being available in the market today, organised crime is taking its toll. Four months ago, the President ordered a crackdown on organised crime and I am happy to note that during this period we arrested many suspects and solved more cases than ever before.

As for treasure hunters, they too are succeeding because weapons are freely available. But we will combat them in the most forceful way.

Q: What are your other priority areas?

A: Human rights for every citizen. We must ensure that.

More interaction with the people is also necessary for police work. We will get more information then. On the one hand we need courtesy to the public and on the other hand firmness in taking action. We also need an ongoing process of educating policemen as well as the public. This is important because many people are not aware of their rights or their responsibilities. Everyone says the police must be the friend of the public, but friendship has to be mutual. While the police provides security to the public, the public should also co operate in giving information and assisting the police in the prevention and detection of crime.

Q: Most people now fear that the police don't provide normal security. When complaints about ordinary things are made, police officers say they are engaged in a major war and have no time for smaller problems. Does such a situation exist and if so what will you do to correct it?

A: During the past few years the situation has not been normal. We have sent thousands of policemen to the North and East to combat terrorism. This created a lack of policemen for normal duties. Yet, we are doing our best to provide normal security cover to the public. We seek more co-operation from the people because it is vital for police work.

Q: Petty thefts are taking place all the time and illicit liquor is sold everywhere. Curbing these is a normal police function. Are you blaming the war for the failure to do this?

A: We are made the scapegoats for everything. To tackle some of these, there are other departments, such as the Excise Department for kasippu and the Forest Department for illicit felling of timber.

Q: Political interference in police work is a major problem. We refer to incidents such as the shooting at Canton Restaurant, shooting at Kotte Deputy Mayor's brother on May Day and the shooting at the Sunday Leader Editor's residence. Did VIP politicians prevent or hamper investigations on these and other incidents?

A: I do not think that there is political interference in the police in a big way. Parliamentarians are the representatives of the people and voice the people's views. If we can lawfully attend to their requests, we do it. If it is not within the law, we courteously say we cannot do it.

As regards the incidents referred to, inquiries are in progress. Different agencies are handling the matters, so I cannot say offhand what progress has been made.

Q: Are you for an Independent Police Commission which cannot be influenced or intimidated by any ruling party?

A: I would say that even now, the police are independent, performing our duties in keeping with the law.

Q: But wouldn't an independent police commission improve matters and be of benefit to the country?

A: It is a matter of opinion. Some say there would be less political interference if we have an independent police commission. But, I do not feel there is much political interference at present.

Q: What do you need to turn the police into a modern law enforcing force?

A: The police service is being modernised in several ways. We are trying to keep pace with neighbouring countries.

Q: What about corruption in the Police?

A: The percentage of those you may call corrupt is insignificant in comparison with those who are honest. Whenever cases are detected within the police we deal with them sternly.

Q: It is common knowledge that some senior police officers are also private bus magnates. These buses are the main cause of road accidents. But police action is often not taken because of personal interest. Isn't this corruption?

A: There may be such cases, but not many. With one incident, people tend to generalise.

Q: There was a recent purge of several police officers from service. Some were not even given reasons. What was this in aid of?

A: There was no purge. If an officer committed an offence an inquiry is held and he is brought to book. The officer concerned is informed of the reasons for his interdiction or other punishment.

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