The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Then please allow me to do so. It is good that you gave time to the Hon. Minister; please likewise grant me time.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister, thank you for the detailed answer. First, I need a clarification. You stated that with 35,116 vacancies in the Police, steps will be taken to recruit 10,000 to start filling them. Given the current situation in the country regarding law and order, public security, the administration of justice, the rule of law and national security being under serious threat, I propose that you consider recruiting more than 10,000 against the 35,116 vacancies. We will support such a move.

¶ 03 You also stated the Public Security Committees are doing extensive work, and that community policing is a globally-accepted, successful approach. While we fully support pursuing, arresting and prosecuting criminals, I must also say this: your Government is not only pursuing criminals, but also the Chairpersons of Public Security Committees. I raised in this House, in good faith and with names, that for obtaining police reports, character certificates and recommendations are now being sought from these Chairpersons. The Government said, “No, that is not so.” But in many areas appointments to these committees have been made in a partisan manner. When such committees are politically skewed, it is a serious impediment to apprehending criminals.

¶ 04 Order, please! The Hon. Deputy Speaker will now take the Chair.

¶ 05 Whereupon THE HON. SPEAKER left the Chair, and DEPUTY SPEAKER [THE HON. (DR.) RIZVIE SALIH] took the Chair.