Tamil-speaking police constables, drivers pass out

By H.L. Sunil Shantha, Kalutara -Central Sp Cor, N. Jayarathnam, Kalutara TKN Cor and Divakara Mohotti, Kalutara Gr Cor

The passing out ceremony of 240 Tamil-speaking Recruit Police Constables and 233 Recruit Police Constable Drivers was held at the Aluvihare Police Grounds of the Sri Lanka Police Training College (SLPTC), Palathota, Kalutara last Tuesday.

The chief guests, IGP N.K. Illangakoon, Ms. Neepa Illangakoon and high-ranking police officers at the passing out ceremony at the Kalutara Police Training School. Pic: Sunil Shantha

The ceremony was organised by Director, SLPTC, SSP Sanjeewa Dharmarathna. The chief guests at the event were IGP N.K. Illangakoon and Ms. Neepa Illangakoon.

Addressing the Police Constables, IGP Illangakoon said, “If the police service is to be successful and efficient, it is necessary to have a close connection and relationship between the police and the community and the Community Police Unit plays a major role in rendering a good and people-friendly service.”

He stressed the vital importance of the reliability and honesty police officers should show in carrying out duties towards the public. He emphasised that every police officer and constable should always keep in mind that they are servants of the citizens of the country. Addressing the Tamil medium Police Recruits, the IGP said that they will be posted in the Northern and Eastern Provinces where the Tamil-speaking citizens had undergone untold hardships and atrocities of the LTTE.

The police constables should work with them patiently and intelligently. They should always try to win the hearts of those innocent citizens who had undergone many unpleasant experiences related to policemen, because of the so called LTTE police force which controlled their areas during the terrorist period.

The awards were presented by the IGP.

Best Marksman's Award - M.S.M. Saffrass

Best Recruit Police Constable Driver - W.M.D.S. Bandara

Best Recruit Police Constable for Practical Police Work - M. Ushanth

Best All Round Police Constable Driver - D.S.K. Ratnatunga

Best Recruit Police Constable for Law - A. Nicholas

Best Tamil Medium All Rounder - Wijekumar of Elara Police Unit

The welcome speech was made by DIG (Training) M.R. Lathiff.