Audio: Police officers without a backbone must leave: DIG Vass

The felicitation ceremony was organised by the Mirigama friendship organisation, the business community, drivers’ unions and voluntary organisations.

DIG Gunawardene said from the time Inspector Perera assumed duties as Mirigama OIC, the crime rate in the area had seen a steady decline and the drug menace has to a large extent been controlled.

“He does not work in a vacuum but by keeping in touch with the people and this had resulted in his ability to perform his duties successfully,” the DIG said.

He said when police officers are assaulted, the people lose the opportunity to bring their grievances to the police but instead approach those who assault the police for help.

“Society should be freedfrom the influence of extortionists, drug traffickers and murderers. This vital task requires capable officers like Inspector Eric Perera. Police officers who do have the backbone to perform their duties without fear or favour should leave the police service,” the DIG said.

Mirigama Sasanawardene Parivenadhipathithe Ven.Maradankalle Suseema Thera and parliamentarian Wasantha Senanayake also attended the function.