Sri Lanka Police: Service, sacrifice and unfinished quest for institutional independence
By Mahil Dole Senior Superintendent of Police (Retd.) A Distinct Legal and Institutional Foundation Over forty years I rose from Sub-Inspector to Senior Superintendent of Police, serving as Officer-in-Charge of stations across the country and commanding territorial and internal divisions. I experienced the evolution of the department and the continuous challenges that emerged, from the […]
Sri Lanka Police: Upholding Service and Sacrifice Amidst Unfinished Quest for Institutional Independence
Over four decades of service in the Sri Lanka Police, Senior Superintendent of Police Mahil Dole has witnessed the evolution and challenges faced by the force. Rising from Sub-Inspector to his current rank, Dole has led various stations and divisions, tackling issues from insurgencies to counter-terrorism, diplomatic service, and consulting on terrorist financing. Despite continuous efforts to adapt to new threats, the police force remains the country's primary law-enforcement agency, established in 1866.
The police have shouldered substantial responsibilities, from maintaining law and order to safeguarding public gatherings and mediating disputes. In times of insurgency and terrorism, they have effectively served as combatants, even sacrificing their lives. Similarly, under more recent and demanding circumstances, such as the drug trade, communal and religious flashpoints, emergency regulations, and heavy public and media scrutiny, officers have demonstrated professionalism and dedication.
The police force comprises regular officers, policewomen, the Police Reserve, cadets, the Special Task Force, and support services, all overseen by the Police Commission in matters of appointments, promotions, and discipline. The force operates within a divided society, representing the state when tensions rise. The ability of officers to make sound judgments in these moments significantly impacts public perception more than any subsequent inquiry.
While new statutes and emergency regulations have been introduced to address evolving threats, there remains a question of whether these reforms have truly equipped the force to meet the changing challenges. The social fabric from which police personnel originate often intersects with the very problems they are expected to control, making it challenging to remain impartial professionals.
Political and personal affiliations, deeply ingrained instincts, and habits of thought can influence an officer's impartiality, despite classroom instruction.
The police force confronts persistent challenges, including large-scale protests, religion-based conflicts, intra- and inter-community disputes, and intense media scrutiny. These factors strain the force's capacity and neutrality, further exacerbated by uncertainty, misunderstandings, and accusations among senior officers, leading to reduced public confidence and operational effectiveness.
The Police Commission plays a crucial role in fostering effective policing, relying on the belief that decisions will be just and impartial, and officers will receive reasonable job security.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
