Ex-IGPs mark their presence on Police Day

by Sarath MALALASEKERA

The Police Department yesterday celebrated their 145th Police Day at a simple ceremony held at the Bambalapitiya police grounds in the presence of IGP N. K. Illangakoon, the chief guest, and Senior DIGs, DIGs, Senior SPs, SPs, ASPs and other rank officers and members of their families. A special feature was that retired IGPs were also present at the ceremony with their wives.

Two minutes’ silence was observed by the participants to respect the Police personnel who had scarified their lives for the motherland and others who were disabled during the war. IGP Illangakoon addressing the gathering said that the police personnel’s prime duty is to protect the people of the country and maintain law and order.

IGP Illangakoon and his wife were received at the entrance gate by Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne and Senior DIG Asoka Wijetilleke.

The IGP took the salute while the police band played music befitting the occasion and flags of the 44 Police Divisions fluttered in the background.

Later the IGP inspected the parade escorted by DIG Ravi Wijegunawardena and accompanied by Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne and Senior DIG Asoka Wijetilleke. The proceedings were conducted by DIG Ravi Wijegunawardena. The colourful parade was made up of officers of 24 platoons including the Special Task Force, women cadres, permanent Police Force and Sri Lanka Reserved Police (SLRP). The security arrangements by the Commander of the Field Force Headquarters.