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Concerns intensify over govt. move to politicise Public Safety Committees
Mid-level police officers have expressed concern over alleged attempts by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to politicise the network of Public Safety Committees (PSCs) being established in every Grama Niladhari (GN) division across the country.
According to police headquarters sources, concerns have intensified following reports that individuals affiliated to the JVP—distinct even from the broader National People’s Power (NPP) alliance—are being positioned on these grassroots committees under political pressure, in certain districts.
Each police station has been tasked with setting up PSCs for the GN divisions under its purview. This system dates back to war years, but the structure of the committees has undergone periodic revisions under various Inspectors General of Police (IGPs). The latest update was introduced in March by Acting IGP Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, replacing a previous directive issued by former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
A circular issued by the Ministry of Public Security, dated April 8, mandates the formation of 14,022 Public Safety Committees before June 20. Each committee must include at least 25 members, with a chairperson and vice-chairperson elected from among them. The Grama Niladhari of the area serves as the committee secretary. Representatives from local religious institutions, sports clubs, trade associations, and civil society organisations also have representation.
“Traditionally, applications are invited from residents and displayed for public scrutiny before vetting by police,” a senior officer explained. “But now, a new directive says two members from the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ project should be included on each committee. These appointees have turned out to be JVP members in almost all areas.”
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala last week confirmed that
Acting IGP Weerasuriya had already relayed the directive to all senior officers, stressing the committees’ role in fostering community-police relations, reducing crime, combating narcotics, and promoting interfaith harmony.
Each PSC includes retired public servants, former police and military officers, youth representatives, and a police officer. Members will serve a three-year term, with regular reviews by the Officer-in-Charge of each station and bi-monthly assessments by Assistant Superintendents of Police.
Despite its intentions, the rollout has sparked internal tensions, with one senior police source warning, “Any attempt to politicize these bodies risks undermining their credibility and the community’s trust in law enforcement.”
by Saman Indrajith and Norman Palihawadane ✍️
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
News
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
News
Opposition Leader rises in defence of Dr. Bellana
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
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