New IGP to hear people’s woes
every Friday

Newly appointed IGP Mahinda Balasuriya pledged to devote two hours each Friday to listen to the woes of the public.
Formally accepting his duties yesterday IGP Balasuriya in his first address outlined plans to establish a professional, accessible and honest police service that would be sensitive to the needs of the people. He noted that he would establish a Assistance Centre within the first week of taking office and that any person can come to it to seek redress. “In addition I will personally be present at this centre from 11.30am-1.30pm every Friday to hear what the people’s grievances are. Anyone who has any issues, even if it is regarding the police they can come and talk to me directly,” he said.
Moreover the IGP will also allocate time every other Monday of the month for policemen of any rank to come and see him regarding their problems. These are all measures directed at public confidence building.
Admitting that the reputation of the police was at a low point he noted serious measures would have to be taken to restore lost confidence and insisted that he would implement the law equally to everyone, including policemen.