Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) had made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) against the sudden transfer of 23 police officers attached to the Organized Crimes and Anti-Corruption Division of the Police Headquarters.
TISL had requested the HRC to investigate whether the transfers had been effected in conformity with the laws, while pointing out that owing to these sudden transfers, the legal cases and investigations pertaining to organized crimes and anti-corruption activities that are pending, are in disarray.
TISL asserts that effecting transfers in this manner would serve to de-motivate other officers in addition to discouraging them in the discharge of their duties. The organization further states that such sudden transfers constitute a violation of the Constitution, which guarantees that justice shall prevail, and everyone should be considered as equal before the law.
Director of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa, responding to queries in this regard, said, a complaint had been received by the HRC. The complaint had been registered and if it complies with the provisions of the HRC Act, an investigation will be instituted.
Juxtaposed to the complaint by TISL and the comments made by Dr. Mahanamahewa in this regard,... ...Police Headquarters stated that the transfers had been carried out in view of the officers concerned having served in one area for a long period of time.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, D.M. Jayaratne, answering a question posed by JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, said the transfer of the 23 police officers who had raided the Salaka Gaming Centre was necessitated on grounds of their dereliction of duty, and inefficiency.
According to information, so far the Director of the Anti-Corruption Division had not initiated an investigation into the reasons behind the sudden transfer nor has a report been made with regard to the same.
Speaking to Ceylon Today, a number of police officers who had been transferred, said they had been victimized even though they had only carried out their legitimate duties, and added that by transferring them to all corners of the country, a grave injustice had been done to them.
By Premalal Wijeratne
CT
