Features

A ‘headless’ police for presidential election

Published

2 years ago

2024/08/11

by Merril Gunaratne
Senior DIG (Retd.)

Any organization, be it professional, social or in sport, has to be led. The leader steers the organization on a charted path to achieve it’s goals and aspirations. He has a paramount role to guide humans within the organization towards identified goals and targets. The leader steers it with a mix of inspiration, discipline, delegation of authority, supervision and monitoring. Leadership has much to do with an organization’s successes or failures. It is a “sine qua non’’ or an integral element for any organization to succeed.

Challenges to the police at a time of a crucial presidential election are manifold. In normal or ordinary times, those in office interfere with the police. This odious feature, starting with the advent of the UNP to power in 1977, gathered momentum in course of time. Such intrusions were rendered possible, more by compliant police heads falling in line with the demands of their political bosses. I would estimate that the police was 60-70% responsible for this sad state of affairs and politicians to blame 30-40%. The fault is mostly with the police for failing to stand up and take the correct stand.

Some in top positions in the police have conveniently accused politicians of interference. This is an evasive tactic to cover up failures or abdication of responsibility. Acquiescence and accommodation fall into the realm of abetting with the violation of laws, rules and conventions. Ideally the IGP, if he is strong and convincing enough to express professional views, could keep much interference at bay. But the police history is sadly replete with submission by some IGPs to political dictates. Beginning from 1977, this syndrome has accelerated with time, with Cyril Herath being the only exception. He remains a beacon in a dark cloud. Some successors following him from late 1980’s allowed things to go from bad to worse.

This is the backdrop in which the police is now poised to function at the forthcoming election. As said earlier, some IGPs over time had failed to assert themselves and exercise authority in the course of normal police work, becoming pliant prey to politics. We now have IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon who has been reduced to a nonentity, at least for sometime, by the Supreme Court. The public perceive him to be partisan. His is a self Inflicted wound.

My colleague in the police, H.M.G.B. Kotakadeniya, recently told the media aptly that Tennakoon had become a prey to politics. He has been just another of those IGPs who failed to resist encroachment. It may however not be fair to blame him alone. Roots of the malaise certainly lie in the past, beginning from late 1980s.

The reality

In principle and theory, leadership is an integral element for the efficacy of an organization. But, given the sad saga of some compliant police heads over time, how would an IGP considered a favourite of the power establishment perform at an election? More precisely, if Tennakoon was in the IGP’s seat at such a crucial election, would he have asserted authority to insist that police discharge their functions impartially and equitably? In my view, going by his reputation, it is difficult to think that he could have withstood pressures which invariably arise at an election.

Therefore, though in principle, an IGP is expected to set the pace and steer a large organization to act without fear or favour, leadership under a pliant IGP at time of an election could vitiate and mar the highest standards expected of the police. In the current context where each territorial DIG would have to face challenges in an environment sans directions from an IGP or acting IGP, territorial DIGs who are in the field may act differently from one another in responding to unreasonable political dictates. Some may be less pliant than others. Such inconsistency and lack of uniformity may be more conducive towards better performance by the police, than if an IGP with a proclivity to grant favours and permit dubious practices, exerts centralised control over all territorial DIGs. We may then see uniformity in abuse.

In other words, lack of uniformity and consistency may therefore be more advantageous to the proper discharge of police functions than if all DIGs have to obey the dictates of a pliant IGP subservient to ruling politicians. The scope for abuse may be more with centralised control, should the reins at the top be in the hands of an officer who is malleable.

The Aug. 4 Sunday papers reported that the Secretary, Ministry of Law and Order, has been empowered to perform the functions of the IGP at the forthcoming election. It is doubtful that he can stamp his authority over the police for he simply does not have the ‘feel’ of police work. He will at best be a poor option. Police will thus remain a headless body. Paradoxically, this may be a climate more conducive for better performance, with territorial DIGs working to different standards at the election.

I have said here that beginning from late 1980s some IGPs have succumbed more and more to politics. I am reminded of what General Von Schleicher, Minister of Defence in Germany, told the media in the late 1920s. A king maker at the time, he explained his choice of Von Papen to succeed Bruning as chancellor with the words “I don’t need a head, I need a hat.” This description may fit a few IGPs here who had been willing tools of power structures. They have been more “hats” than “heads” .

Role of DIG (Elections)

It would be appropriate to examine the role of DIG (Elections) in the present context. DIG (Elections) has two roles to perform. First, he has to lay the groundwork or plan for an election. This task would include educating field officers on election laws, and identifying and allocating personnel and logistical support for the police to discharge their election responsibilities. This is the preparatory stage. The more crucial role is the process of monitoring violation of election laws and exhorting field police officers to act correctly. He must provide strength and security for police to resist encroachment.

This important second role can be identified as the “enforcement” stage. For this crucial role, the designated DIG (Elections) has to be senior to all territorial DIGs in the field as his instructions and orders have to be obeyed by territorial DIGs. The writ of DIG (Elections) should clearly prevail over DIGs in the field. Some IGPs have deviated from this procedure. They had chosen to appoint junior favourites as DIG (Elections). This was a controversial step.

A relatively junior DIG, I T Canagaratnem, was DIG (Elections) when Ernest Perera and Frank de Silva served as IGP. In my time, Snr DIG R Sunderalingam and Snr DIG Leo Perera discharged the role of DIG (Elections) very well, for they were senior enough to issue orders to all territorial DIGs. Incidentally, the extension of service of Leo Perera was denied for discharging his role equitably with IGP Ernest Perera doing nothing to protect him. Deviations from appointing the most Snr DIG as DIG (Elections) may not be conducive for police to discharge their responsibilities efficiently and equitably at elections.

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

8 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

8 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

9 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.