The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, previously there were Community Police Committees. When we examine matters concerning those committees, what was most clearly set out was only the name. Now, the new IGP has introduced "Public Security Committees". The circular states that Public Security Committees should be established covering all GN Divisions island-wide and identified by their Sinhala name “Mahajana Suraksha Komitu”. It would be better to also include Tamil and English titles; otherwise, there could be issues for Tamil and Muslim communities. Please include those as well.

¶ 02 Further, the circular states guidance should be obtained from the Divisional Secretary and the Chairman of the Divisional Development Committee, and suitable religious leaders’ patronage sought. In prior committees, no DDC Chair or any MP interfered. It functioned independently.

¶ 03 Under section 2.2 on selection of members, it refers to Community Police Committee practices, but then states appointments should be subject to background checks by the Divisional Officer-in-Charge. Issues have arisen. Practice was to convene the existing Community Police Committee, request resignations, and, with the OIC’s authority, include interested persons, convene all, and constitute a new group. Now, in our district, in some places the “Divisional Officer” is effectively a Pradeshiya Sabha member. In Katupotha Police area, a PS member has prepared lists and handed them to Police. Until those lists are given, some divisions are not established. You cited thousands set up, but the remainder cannot be formed due to this issue.

¶ 04 They did not convene the existing committees; instead, new people form committees. Former chairpersons ask why they weren’t informed. In some areas, MPs tell people to bring names to them. Lists are being given to OICs. Who is this Divisional Officer? Applications are not even directed to a designated place. If the GN is to decide on applications, there must be a formal authorization, which is lacking. Therefore, please clarify who the Divisional Officer is.