Inspector General of Police,
Recent events have highlighted instances of obstruction in the law and justice process by certain officers of the Sri Lanka Police. These officers have disclosed and publicized crucial information, documents, witnesses, victims, and suspects related to criminal investigations through the media, bypassing due legal procedures.
We acknowledge and commend the commendable efforts and actions undertaken by the Sri Lanka Police in combating crime and ensuring suspects are brought to justice within Sri Lanka.
However, recent incidents have drawn widespread concern from the public and parliamentary representatives regarding the irresponsible actions of some police officers in their interactions with the media. We regretfully bring this matter to your attention.
Specifically, the police investigation into the shooting deaths of a prominent businessman and another individual on July 8, 2024, was prematurely disclosed through media channels without adhering to the proper protocols of due process before presentation in court. As the Chief of the Sri Lanka Police, we must emphasize that engaging in activities beyond assigned responsibilities is unlawful and disrupts the administration of justice.
In particular, the live broadcasting of statements, confessions of arrested suspects, and sensitive information regarding the crime before it undergoes proper judicial review undermines the legal process. Such actions by certain officers under your authority have severely impeded the fair administration of law and justice. Moreover, these actions jeopardize the safety of suspects and witnesses and undermine their right to presumption of innocence until proven guilty by the court.
This matter has garnered attention from both ruling and opposition members of the Sri Lankan Parliament, as evidenced by their meeting on July 11, 2024. It has been reported that the Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament has instructed the Sri Lanka Police to investigate this issue.
We urge you, as the Inspector General of Police, to take decisive action to rectify these breaches and ensure that all police activities adhere strictly to the principles of legal due process and respect for the rights of individuals involved in criminal investigations.
Another recent incident reported involves the tragic deaths of two 15-year-old children who fell from an apartment complex in Colombo, highlighting significant issues with how the Sri Lanka Police handled the case in their public statements. Initially, a police spokesperson described the incident as a suicide but later revised this stance by suggesting the children might have been under the influence of drugs. Subsequent media statements from the police exacerbated the situation.
Such irresponsible and unethical media practices and statements carry a grave responsibility concerning the public perception of the two deceased children, who are the true victims in this tragic event. These actions also negatively impact the mental and social well-being of their parents and other affected citizens.
We wish to emphasize that the Sri Lanka Police, under your leadership, must uphold their responsibility to ensure fair investigations and maintain ethical standards in all public communications.
These actions undermine the court’s ability to uncover the truth behind crimes and to fairly examine evidence, witnesses, victims, and suspects before presenting cases in court. Such conduct by a few irresponsible police officers jeopardizes our legal system’s ability to deliver justice, protect crime victims, and uphold the rule of law.
Therefore, we urge you, as the Inspector General of Police, to fulfil your constitutional responsibility by taking appropriate measures. These should include establishing a code of conduct regarding the use of media in police statements, ensuring transparency in the progress of investigations reported to the public, and adhering strictly to legal and ethical standards during criminal investigations.
As young legal professionals committed to advancing the cause of justice, we request your leadership in these matters to uphold the principles of law and justice in our society.
Thanks
