GUARDIANS OF THE LAW

Serving the nation for 150 years:

By Dishan Joseph

For centuries Sri Lankans have been a nation of peace-loving citizens living in harmony. During the Portuguese occupation of ancient Ceylon, they did not perceive the need for a uniformed Police force. Subsequently, the Dutch gained total control of the Maritime Provinces and the northern peninsula by 1658. The Colombo Municipality initiated a system of hiring paid guards to patrol Colombo city at night. Once the British began to establish their dominion over Ceylon the Office of the Fiscal was given authority to supervise Police duties. As the city was invaded by urbanization the Fiscal was unable to administer the Police functions entrusted to him. The oldest Police station was set up in Fort in 1797 to facilitate patrol duties.

Governor Fredric North began to redefine the functions of the Police in 1805. A Police Vidane (officer) was appointed in rural villages for the prevention of crime. Governor North directed that Colombo city be divided into 15 divisions (the outlines survive to this day). Police Constables were recruited and trained. The Governor was keen to restructure the Police and made a request to the Governor of Bombay to recommend a diligent officer. The name of William.R.Campbell, who was in charge of the Indian Rathnagiri Rangers, was proposed and accepted.

Duties

Campbell arrived in our island and assumed duties as the first Chief Superintendent of Police on September 3, 1866. Therefore this date is recorded as the day that the uniformed Police Force was established in Ceylon. Thomas Oswin was appointed as the first Superintendent of Police for Colombo. Subsequently the Police cadre had strength of 560 men serving in 44 stations when our island's population was 2 million. Today the Police cadre consists of 84,000 men and women serving in 442 stations and other divisions.

In 1867 the first Police Headquarters was set up at Maradana. Lokubanda Dunuwila became the first Sri Lankan to be appointed to the rank of Superintendent of Police and was deployed to head the Kandy range. In Colombo the ranks were restructured to recognize Police Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables. For the first time the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) was created. De La Harpe was promoted as the first ASP.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was initiated in 1870. According to DIG Priyantha Jayakody, Director Crimes and Crime Intelligence, the CID probes complicated crimes with specialized branches dealing with homicide, gang robbery (banks etc), frauds and counterfeit currency. The CID is the coordinating point of contact for Interpol.

Steps have been taken to update the Fingerprint Branch with AFIS (Automated Finger Identification System) which is presently linked to 42 territorial sections where a suspect's fingerprint(s) can be matched online within three minutes. There are presently 47,000 fingerprints of IRCs (Island Reconvicted Criminals). The CID has also embarked on a program to update facial recognition technology, whereby comparisons can be made from CCTV footage.

Shifted

The Police Headquarters was shifted to Fort in 1932 from where it operates to this day. In 1947 Richard Aluvihare became the first Sri Lankan to be appointed as Inspector General of Police, in a service once dominated by the British. He is credited with transforming the force and introducing the Police Kennels division which is presently headquartered in Asgiriya, Kandy and operates from 54 units, islandwide with strength of 203 trained dogs who excel in narcotics and explosives detection.

Sir Richard recruited female cadre into active regular service. As vehicles began to converge on the once quiet streets the Traffic Range was set up and it today has blossomed into an active unit with a highway patrol. In 1952 for the first time VHF Radio was introduced to connect all stations enhancing communications facilities.

Today that facility is coordinated from Mirihana. The menace of illegal narcotics began to filter into our region in the 70s.

The Police Narcotic Prevention Bureau was set up in 1973 and has conducted many successful raids seizing large hauls of narcotic substances. However, illegal drugs continue to invade and enslave many youth.

Sri Lanka was plagued with many forms of internal insurgency. In order to counter this, the Department established the Special Task Force in 1983, based on the Gendarmerie Nationale of France and GSG-9 of Germany. These officers received training in jungle warfare and today play a pivotal role in the areas of counter terrorism, hostage rescue, bomb disposal, transport of high profile prisoners and VIP security.

Reminiscing his days as the Personal Security Officer to President J.R. Jayewardene, retired DIG Muni Gomes recollects the time he was sent to Germany to procure a bullet proof car, which was a pioneering step to enhance the safety of the Head of State. This Israel trained veteran opines that a clear and alert mind is a key asset in close protection duty.

Rapport

Since assuming the mantle of the Police service the incumbent IGP Pujith Jayasundera has emphasized the need to enhance the rapport with the public. It is very timely that the new Code of Ethics for the Police has also been launched, to enhance the requirement for a people friendly law enforcement entity.The150th anniversary was celebrated with much pomp and decorum under the leadership of the IGP with a stunning parade at Police Park on September 3.

The parade was commanded by Senior DIG Ravi Wijegunawardene, who rode a majestic black stallion accompanied by seven platoons including members of the Mounted Division, Kennels and STF. The precision Silent Drill marching display by the STF carrying .303 bolt action rifles is testament to their high level of training, discipline and teamwork.

The entire drill is done without a single verbal command. The present Commandant STF Senior DIG Latheef stated that this is a display of professionalism and competence.

During the three decades of conflict many officers were killed and disabled.

The Police Heroes Day is commemorated on March 21 every year. To date 3,110 policemen have been killed in action. Many have been bestowed with the Presidents Gallantry Medal.

We must remember the sacrifice of these officers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The Police service will strive to meet the new challenges that lie ahead with determination, as we aspire to become a prosperous and safe nation.