Retirement of police officers on the rise due to work burden

• Shortage of officers has affected the investigation of complaints  

By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya   

A recent survey has revealed that the retirement of police officers due to the burden of work has been increasing and that it affected the police service.   
Ratnapura District DIG Renuka Jayasundara said the retirement of officers at the age of 55 has increased and that it created a shortage of officers.   
Addressing the District Coordinating Committee, the DIG pointed out that several officers have been recommended for light duty on medical grounds and that they should be subject to further medical examinations.   
“For example 20 out of 72 officers of Godakawela Police have been recommended for light duty but in the police service there isn’t anything as light duty. What matters is the efficiency of officers and not the number.” Every police station is facing a shortage of officers particularly to man new police posts. The shortage of officers has affected the investigation of complaints.   
Co-Chairman of the Coordinating Committee Parliamentarian Shantha Pathmakumara said the officers prefer to retire as they are entitled to pension based on the salary in 2027.