01 June 2011
Police Chief Mahinda Balasuriya has decided to step down from his post this month, police sources said. An urgent meeting was also held at police headquarters today. The resignation comes amidst the police being criticized over the way they handled the protest by workers of the Free Trade Zone in Katunayake on Monday.
However police spokesman Priyashantha Jayakody said that the IGP had not "resigned" but "retired" from service.
The Media Center for National Security (MCNS), in a statement, said that Inspector General of Police Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya has decided to tender his retirement due to displeasure with the manner in which Police conducted themselves during the clash between the Police and the workers in the Katunayaka Free Trade Zone on the 30th May.
IGP Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya thus becomes the first public Officer who voluntarily retires with regard to a controversial event concerning National Security, MCNS added.
Dr. Balasuriya had two years more office term to complete as the Inspector General of Police, MCNS said. Meanwhile some police officers including Western Province Senior DIG Gamini Navarathne have been transferred.
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