Law enforcement officers must act with caution and restraint, says BASL

"It is of utmost importance that those enforcing the law act with restraint and caution in dealing with the people, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL)," said recently.

Issuing a statement on the current law and order situation, BASL’s executive committee said in the past few days there have been increased reports of public disquiet especially at fuel stations in several parts of the country.

“The recent images of a pistol wielding Police officer assaulting a person at a petrol shed at Maspotha in Kurunegala and the violent scenes at a fuel station in Athurugiriya are only examples of the volatile situation throughout the country,” it said.

The BASL acknowledged the difficult environment in which Police and security officers were compelled to function at present, since they and their families too were no doubt facing the same pressures as other people. Nevertheless, it was of utmost importance that those enforcing the law act with restraint and caution in dealing with people, it asserted.

“It is essential that Police officers in performing their duties act with understanding and empathy and acknowledge the immense suffering of people. Law enforcement officers must in all instances act with fairness and impartiality. Any acts seen as being biased and unfair will add to the distrust which already exists,” the statement said.

BASL also called all upon the Government to "take urgent and practical steps to ease the burden of the people and to ensure that the needs of the people are met in a reasonable manner."

It warned that public mistrust of the Government and law enforcement would have dire consequences for the country and lead to irreparable harm.