Probe into CID officers’ unprofessional conduct begins

The police said today that an investigation has begun under the orders of the IGP into certain CID officers who have acted irresponsibly which in a manner has tarnished the professional image of the CID in questioning media persons.

It is reported that the CID has recently instructed several journalists, including editors of some popular media institutions to visit the CID to obtain statements regarding an investigation being conducted by the CID, the police said.

While apologizing to the journalists, including the editors who were inconvenienced in the incident, the Police Headquarters announced that it is not the normal procedure of the CID to summon newspaper editors to that department.

The police also emphasized that the Sri Lanka Police has always respected the rights of the public, including journalists to express their views.

Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekera on Wednesday instructed the IGP to conduct an immediate investigation into the failure by the CID officers to act following the directive not to question journalists, including newspaper editors who disclosed the garlic scam to the media.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)