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Video circulating on social media shows IGP manhandling Police HQ staff

14 August 2017 11:16 pm - 29     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A video posted by a popular ‘gossip’ website Lanka e News (LEN) was circulating on social media showing Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara manhandling two minor staffers of the Police Headquarters, who claimed to have disobeyed departmental rules of performing the morning meditation.

Although the video has been posted on the LEN website this morning following a written description pertaining to the visuals it carried, the actual incident depicted on the footage had reportedly taken place on April 11 this year, as mentioned by the gossip site.

The video which seemed to have been captured from the Police Headquarters’ CCTV cameras fixed in and outside the main elevator of the lobby shows Mr. Jayasundara manhandling a person in civvies by his shirt collar and threateningly gestures to slap another man in plain clothing who acts as the lift operator.

In the second frame it shows the IGP pointing his finger at someone who’s remaining beyond the camera’s point of view and blaming in a dramatic style.

Although the audio of the footage was not available it was evident that he was expressing his displeasure at the junior staffers.

When contacted Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara told the Daily Mirror this was a trivial incident where the IGP as the head of the department reprimanded some staffers who had failed to adhere to the morning meditation sessions.

To cultivate good thoughts and sound mindset of all policemen a ten minute meditation session has been introduced by IGP Jayasundara since assuming office in April last year.

“The session is held every morning at 8.30 to 8.45 right after playing national anthem and police anthem. All Buddhists have been instructed to engage in the meditation session whilst the rest of the non-Buddhists had been asked to observe their religious prayers within this period.

This rule had been enforced on all policemen in Police Headquarters and police stations countrywide.

However, those assigned on special duties such as at 119 emergency telephone service, sentry and guard points as well as policemen in charge of receiving complaints at respective stations are exempted from practising this morning rule as it would disturb the general public,” the spokesman said.

“Since this novel concept is embraced by many optimistic policemen in the department and follow with heart and soul it had helped to make a revolutionary change in the way how police officers approach their daily duties with a sound and positive mindset.

During the period this meditation is practiced and except for those who are exempted from following it, there shouldn’t be any activity or movement of staffers allowed within the department including the lift operator. Since nobody is moving during this period it was questionable as to why the lift operator had disobeyed to practice his meditation,” SP Gunasekara said.

Emphasizing on certain admirable qualities of the incumbent Police Chief, SP Gunasekara said the former had managed to clear over 8, 000 personal files of various grievances of police officers which had been stagnating for over a decade, within a year of his appointment.

He said he would personally testify that as the Director of Police Discipline and Conduct Division, the IGP had given solutions to all these grievances pertaining to the promotions, transfers, delayed justice of inquiries, pensions etc.

Meanwhile, attempts made to get through to IGP Jayasundara over the phone for his comment was unsuccessful. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana)

Video Courtesy LankaeNews


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  Comments - 29

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  • Bakaladasa Tuesday, 15 August 2017 12:11 AM

    "When contacted Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara told the Daily Mirror this was a trivial incident where the IGP as the head of the department reprimanded some staffers who had failed to adhere to the morning meditation"Ha ha ha!

    Premalal Tuesday, 15 August 2017 12:17 AM

    It appears that the meditation program initiated by the IGP to calm the collective minds of his me has not worked to calm the mind of the IGP.. What value is the program?

    K Chokshanadan Tuesday, 15 August 2017 12:21 AM

    Shameful act. The behaviour of the IGP must set an example to others! I would not consider this as a trivial incident.

    Yowsan Tuesday, 15 August 2017 12:23 AM

    Looks as if the meditation is not working for the IGP.Dude needs to calm down and meditate a little longer

    Kumar Tuesday, 15 August 2017 12:41 AM

    This is the problem,from the IGP to the Constable, using violence against civilians is the norm in the Sri Lankan Police.As girlie men almost all politicians lack the courage to take firm action against the Police.So this brutal Police culture continues and makes mockery of our Justice System.

    Sarath Tuesday, 15 August 2017 12:58 AM

    The IGP must be sacked immediately and all police buildings installed with CCTV which should be checked every 24 hours by an independent and armed agency.

    Ajith Tuesday, 15 August 2017 01:00 AM

    He is good example of Sri Lankan Buddhist behavior.

    gilbola Tuesday, 15 August 2017 01:36 AM

    First the IGP needs to meditate to cultivate a good and sound mindset!

    nick Tuesday, 15 August 2017 01:37 AM

    this is pure Srilankan police style not a good example for the future generation police as this clearly violates the human rights via DM Android App

    Emm Tuesday, 15 August 2017 02:03 AM

    These are minor issue because other human beings are minor things.......These guys are not only far away from basic and they want to make that granted....

    Sam Tuesday, 15 August 2017 02:11 AM

    IGP Should resign. According to the code of conduct NO POLICE OFFICER forget about the IGP can physically harm any body. If He will not forced to resign it will be a VERY BAD example for the junior staff

    Samantha Tuesday, 15 August 2017 02:49 AM

    When someone talk about serious question about manhandling, this police spokesmen is talking about nonsense. It doesn't matter how he did his job in the past. Now question is about his unethical, illegal conduct as a head of the Department. This is serious violation according local and international legal framework as well as violation of constitutional rights of the aforesaid individual. I think he must be investigated and if he found guilty , he must be sacked immediately from the service.He may have been victim of psychological disorder.

    Ram Tuesday, 15 August 2017 03:00 AM

    How can Nuwan Gunasekera say this is trivial when it is clearly shown the intimidation and assault. Nuwan must learn his basic criminal law and check the definition of assault.

    Ram Tuesday, 15 August 2017 03:02 AM

    It is against the employees fundamental right to force the employee to meditate or observe religeous prayers. We have an IGP who is ignorant of the country's laws

    ceylon Tuesday, 15 August 2017 03:20 AM

    all the country knows very well that policemen have no deciplineno manners.they dont care even igp orders.igp knows the fitting punishment. via DM Android App

    Hari Wednesday, 16 August 2017 01:15 PM

    IGP should not decided punishment. Meditate or not to meditate is a personal choice. He can't demand any one to observe any religion practice.

    Janathawa Tuesday, 15 August 2017 03:56 AM

    Need a response from Police Commission !

    ari Tuesday, 15 August 2017 04:11 AM

    If this was any other civilized country, the IGP would have been sacked. Its only in Sri Lanka that he can get away because of the political patronage. What a shame.

    ed Tuesday, 15 August 2017 04:33 AM

    This is the ONLY discipline which the locals understand. If there is a clear instruction given to the staff it has to be obeyed. As the police force is responsible to maintain country's civil order then the officers should practice the same.We are glad to have an IGP who follows strict discipline within the police force.We need him to follow up with AG's office to bring the cases which are lying and collecting dusk. We the public elected this government to apply the law against the corrupt officials and waiting to see JUSTICE PREVAIL!!!

    hari Wednesday, 16 August 2017 12:58 PM

    People have a right to follow a religion or not to follow a one at all. It is not an excuse , it is another criminal act - violate freedom of religion. So now we should prosecute him for violating two fundamental rights.

    mohan Tuesday, 15 August 2017 05:06 AM

    religion enforced ? how about freedom of choice ?

    dev Tuesday, 15 August 2017 05:26 AM

    I witnessed more disgraceful things... He talks Filth to everyone at head office... this is normal act of him.

    Sara Tuesday, 15 August 2017 08:18 AM

    Can any one force meditation on some one?

    Gune Tuesday, 15 August 2017 09:35 AM

    Meditation is a personal matter and not an official matter. the IGP is forcing his personal beliefs and religion on people. He is completely disrespectful of democracy. This is unacceptable and he must be taken to task.

    yaka mahathaya Wednesday, 16 August 2017 08:47 AM

    he is

    Sam Friday, 18 August 2017 03:58 AM

    What is this this "police anthem"?Do government departments have "anthems"?Do the police meditate on all those who have died in police custody since independence?

    mahinda Friday, 18 August 2017 04:31 AM

    The IGP should resign.What a shame on him.

    VD Saturday, 19 August 2017 07:46 PM

    "Meditate, or I'm going to break your jaw, you [insert some choice words here]"Seems legit.

    Sylvia Haik Saturday, 19 August 2017 10:47 PM

    The IGP cannot impose his own beliefs on his subordinates. He is clearly not fit to be in charge of men and should be removed.


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