High-powered police teams on top gear

by Sarath Malalasekera

Deputy Inspector General of Police D. W. Prathapasinghe who assumed duties as the head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last week has set up a special high-powered teams to conduct investigations on several important cases such as the assassination of late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, attempt to assassinate the Army Commander Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.The DIG appealed to the public to be vigilant and assist the law enforcing officers to apprehend the terrorists operating in their area and furnish information about the underworld gang leaders operating in the island.

According to a senior officer of the CID most of the important cases have not been properly investigated due to lack of supervision by senior officers.

"It is very strange that some of the files relating to investigations are not available in the department. They have gone missing. The authorities have directed the responsible officers to search for those files and commence investigations as early as possible".

"The CID is a very vital institution in the administration of justice in the country. Therefore the CID should maintain the high standards of the institution to show good results to the public", the Senior CID officer said.

It was also revealed that a number of civil matters such as cheque frauds and violation of business agreements had been entertained by the CID. These matters should have been filed before the Commercial High Court and not before the CID, the officer added.

All these civil matters in future, will be referred to the relevant authorities for their information and action, he added.

Legal Aid Commission Chairman S. S. Wijeratne who had conducted the countrywide Legal Documentary Service and Legal Aid for Tsunami Victims conducted by Legal Aid Commission in collaboration with the National Centre for Victims of Crimes, sponsored by Asia Foundation, praised the then Southern Range DIG D. W. Prathapasinghe for his excellent assistance rendered to set up several Legal Aid Centres in the Southern Range.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the then Prime Minister who visited the Southern Range on an invitation of LAC Chairman S. S. Wijeratne agreed to assist the Legal Aid Commission in their functioning.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Nimal Kulatunga, who was attached to the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, assumed duties as Director - CID, recently. SSP Kulatunga had in the past, led a number of investigations, including Thilanga Sumathipala case, which concluded recently, where the accused was convicted after trial.