Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed that 300 police officers have been suspended within the first six months of this year alone. He made this statement while addressing issues of discipline and accountability within public service institutions.
Minister Wijepala emphasized that the government remains committed to enforcing the law equally and without favoritism, regardless of the status or rank of the individual involved.
He further expressed concern over how the actions of a few can damage the image of the entire public service:
“In the past six months alone, 300 individuals have been suspended from duty. These suspensions happen because some people lack genuine commitment or emotional attachment to the work they do. They don’t consider how they earn their salary.”
Highlighting the consequences of misconduct, the Minister noted that there have been instances where individuals lost their jobs, pensions, and even ended up in prison after decades of service:
“We’ve seen people who, after serving for 25 years, have lost everything—positions, pensions—and been imprisoned.”
Minister Wijepala also drew attention to the leadership crisis in key institutions, where many heads currently serve in an acting capacity:
“Our Controller General, Inspector General of Police, and Commissioner General of Prisons are all in acting roles. Why? Because the Controller General of Immigration is currently imprisoned, the IGP has been imprisoned and is out on bail, and the Commissioner of Prisons was jailed in his own prison and later released on bail.”
He attributed this state of affairs to a failure in recognizing the value and responsibility of public office:
“If someone accepts a position and treats it merely as a job, without understanding its importance, this is the result. These roles are not just employment—they are responsibilities.”
The Minister concluded by reiterating the government’s stance:
“That is why we, as a government, uphold the law equally. No matter the individual’s status or rank, if an illegal act is committed, legal action will be taken.”
