We salute you Sir for the example you set as a senior Police officer

I first met Bernard De Silva when as a PSI I was transferred to Maradana Police station as a replacement to a batchmate of mine in 1990. The OIC Maradana was Mr. Bernard who was a Chief Inspector of Police then.

The very first day when reporting for duty, I was given a few warrants and the task of executing them at the earliest. There was not a single day that I didn’t see him at the station by 5 a.m till 10 p.m. This was his commitment to running that heavy A1 graded station.

At peak hours, dressed smartly in uniform, he would be seen supervising the Policemen on traffic duty at the Maradana junction which had a heavy traffic flow from four directions. From Maradana Police he was promoted as an Asst. Supdt. of Police and was attached to the Special Branch, Police Narcotics Bureau and to the Ministers’ Security Division.

Subsequently he held the Directorship of the Special Branch, Police Narcotics, SSP Vavuniya Division, SSP Negombo Division, Director SIU, Director Police Head Quarters Administration and was promoted as DIG in 2012, holding that position of DIG Police Head Quarters until retirement.

All these positions he held were well earned. His honesty and unimpeachable integrity were the hallmarks of his character and personality along with tenacity of purpose and commitment to duty.

Mr. Bernard was a disciplined officer who had the backbone always to call a spade, a spade. He fearlessly fought against injustice and ensured that justice not only prevailed, but was also clearly seen to prevail, wherever he served. This was the calibre of this great Officer to whom we as juniors looked up to.

A conscientious worker and devout Catholic, he gave priority to worship. A family man he did his duty by his children to the optimum, ably supported by his devoted wife Anesta who took pride in seeing her husband dressed smartly by dry-cleaning and pressing his uniforms, herself.

Mr. Bernard was also attached to his late father and mother and sacrificed a lot of his free time ensuring their comfort and well-being. He thus displayed a very rare quality of a son holding a high position, taking care of his aged parents.

He was always down to earth and very helpful to the needy. Being a soccerite who had represented the country and the Police for many years, he had leadership qualities and was always available for advice.

After his retirement, LOLC was lucky to get his services as its Security Consultant and he discharged his duties until he fell ill in 2021. We salute you for the generous and courageous example you set as a senior Police officer.