The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has sought the approval of Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order [Brig, Nanda Malawarchchi -SLB] regarding a request made by president of Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Upul Jayasuriya urging the IGP to ensure his personal security by providing personnel security travelling with him following the incident where Mr. Jayasuriya had been followed by two unidentified motorcyclists on July 15.
BASL President Upul Jayasuriya today expressed his dissatisfaction over IGP’s decision to seek the Ministry Secretary’s approval and alleged that it was “ridiculous to forward his request to the Ministry Secretary as powers had been vested with the IGP to act under the Police Ordinance.”
Mr. Jayasuriya told that under Section 22 of the Police Ordinance, the IGP himself could take decision to provide additional security.
In a letter dated July 25, the Staff DIG to the IGP Ajith Wickramasekara stated that the request made by BASL President under the heading “Security Threat Imposed on My Life” had been forwarded to the Secretary, Minister of Law and Order, seeking approval.
Earlier, Mr. Jayasuriya had also lodged a complaint with the Cinnamon Gardens Police stating that he was followed by unidentified persons on two motorcycles while he was returning from Hulftsdorp on July 15.
Subsequently, he had made another complaint with the Thalangama Police regarding an incident where two unidentified motorcyclists roamed around his residence located in Thalangama on July 15 and 17.
Meanwhile, the LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific had also sent a letter to the IGP requesting his attention to concern for the personal safety of Mr. Upul Jayasuriya, an elected member of the LAWASIA Executive Committee.
The LAWASIA observed that Mr Jayasuriya was required to speak out on matters that Sri Lankan lawyers see as a threat to the rule of law, regardless of whether these views are acceptable to the authorities. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)
(Photo: Sunday Times)
[Original caption: Ridiculous, says Bar ]
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