Police rank and file should be given a better deal - outgoing IGP by Harischandra Gunaratna

Outgoing police chief Indra de Silva yesterday told police top brass that the most important segment of the police service was its rank and file. The constables and sergeants had the closest contact with the public and should be provided with the necessary training, higher salaries that would make them better officers to provide a more efficient service.During the last three decades the police service had been transformed from a law enforcement agency to an outfit that had to deal with a war situation. "On two occasions within two decades in the recent history of this country we had to grapple with an insurgency which the police successfully quelled. The unity of the policemen helped them achieve this victory over a group of unlawful elements who were trying to topple the governments that were in power at the time and wrest power. "As a policeman I am really proud of this" and it will be etched in our memories for a long time. Police helped democracy prevail de Silva said.The outgoing IGP was accorded the main farewell at the police head quarters with a guard of honour which was the main event. It was followed by another farewell and a guard of honour at the Police Park."In my 33 year career in the police service I have seen the Sri Lanka police facing many a formidable challenge and tackling them successfully" he said.