A tense situation arose in Parliament today when Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara commented on several incidents of alleged corruption and fraudulent activities reported at Police Stations in the country.
Speaking during the committee stage debate in Parliament, MP Nanayakkara said any Police officer can receive a promotion to the post of Officer in Charge by handing Rs.500,000 to a particular Senior DIG.
The MP said they are unaware as to who the money actually reaches adding the promotion is guaranteed when presented with a letter from the political party seat organiser.
He said promotions of Police officers have been delayed adding corruption is rampant with the Police Department.
The Parliamentarian said a Secretary to the Minister of Public Security was recently implicated for excavating for gold, buried during the conflict in the Oluthudawa Reserve in Mannar.
Responding to the statement, MP Prasanna Ranaweera challenged MP Nanayakkara to reveal all details instead of hiding behind Parliamentary privileges.
MP Nanayakkara said he is not responsible for responding to such statements.
Delivering his closing remarks during the committee stage debate in Parliament, Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekera said he has discharged his duties without being involved in corrupt practices.
Minister Weerasekera said MP Nanayakkara had claimed that he is an empty bullet adding however when a moon shines foxes and dogs howl.
Minister Weerasekera said there can’t be murderers, thieves, rapists, drugs, extremists, and terrorists in the country adding it is the duty of Police to eliminate such situations from the society.
He said they have 89,000 Police officers, 566 Police Stations, 44 district Police divisions and 65 active Police divisions adding the number of Police Stations will be increased to 696.
Minister Weerasekera said Inspector General of Police CD Wickramaratne is carrying out his duties exceptionally.
The Minister said the Police force is the leading state institution which is in operation around the clock across the island.
