• AKD calls for an end to ‘witch hunt’ against Seneviratne and Abeysekera

Several retired Police officers including Criminal Investigations Department's (CID) former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Ravi Seneviratne and former CID Director, Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekera participated in a conference organised by the Retired Police Officers' Collective affiliated to the National People's Power (NPP), held at the National Youth Services Council Auditorium in Maharagama yesterday (9).  

The conference was attended by a large crowd including NPP Parliamentarians and Executive Committee Members, retired Police and Military officers, and retired judicial officers.

Speaking during the conference, JVP-NPP Leader and Opposition MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that various influences have been exerted on Police officers, particularly Seneviratne and Abeysekera, by both the Government and the Opposition, not to join the NPP. He alleged that these approaches have ranged from pleading to threatening, coming from both sides of the political spectrum. "Even now, investigations are being conducted against Seneviratne based on various absurd allegations. I would like to call for an end to this malicious behaviour of the Government."

"A citizen has the right to support any political movement of their choice without needing the approval or disapproval of the Government or the Opposition. Why are these threats being made? Seneviratne and Abeysekera are well aware of the behaviour of both sides (Government and Opposition). That is the reason why these threats and appeals are made. However, despite these pressures, they have bravely come forward today to address the people. Addressing the citizens, they share their experiences and highlight what has happened to the rule of law in our country. They also promise to actively work to change the current situation," Dissanayake charged.

Recalling that many parties are questioning how an NPP-led Government would ensure rule of law in the country, Dissanayake said that it would be done under their Government with advice, guidance, and intervention of senior officers who have worked in the Police Department in a law-abiding manner.

Speaking during the event, the Collective's Head, Seneviratne said that the Retired Police Officers' Collective is a truly legitimate and democratic organisation, adding they have no intention to return to Police duties or to influence the Police. "We have no reason to do so to get back to Police duties or influence the Police. There was pressure from various sides, telling me not to join this platform. It wasn't just me; some other officers were also pressured, with one even receiving a threatening phone call. He lodged a complaint with the Monaragala Police. A person had then called him and asked him to withdraw it. It was someone from a national intelligence agency," Senevirathne alleged.

Explaining the reason behind the establishment of the Collective, he said: "Why did we resort to this? Two years ago, we had extensive discussions with the leadership of the NPP including Dissanayake. We talked about our ideas, questions, and concerns. After that, we realised that this team is honest. Honest people are scarce in today's politics. Another reason is their willingness to make significant sacrifices for their cause, which is rare in today's society. Thirdly, they provided clear answers to all our questions, demonstrating that they have a clear plan to build the country. After that, we, retired Police officers, decided to join them."

Attempts to contact Abeysekera and several NPP Executive Committee Members to query as to whether they (Seneviratne and Abeysekera) have obtained NPP membership, proved futile.