Public Security Minister Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara said policemen had no right to carry out unlawful dictates of politicians.
Addressing a workshop for 105 new heads of police stations, he said he would not allow politicization of the police service. He said some politicians made recommendations on the appointment of the heads of police stations, but most of them were declined.
He said appointments are made based on merits.
“That is also done through a committee based on recommendations by the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry Secretary,” he said.
The Minister said the public service commission had placed the police service on par with the others. However, he said 3500 police officers sacrificed their lives in the war against the LTTE. Besides, he said 15,000 fell sick with Covid-19, and 55 of them succumbed to the disease. Also, he said 230 police officers had died while carrying out traffic duties.
“They discharge their duties at the cost of their lives. Their lives are at stake due to the threat from the underworld,” he said.
