The recent brutal assault of a woman, suspected to have been shoplifting at a well-known supermarket in Borella has pushed the spotlight back on the lawlessness and lack of faith in law enforcement by many in Sri Lanka. It has also laid bare the economic realities facing many, especially vulnerable communities, such as those who encounter drug abuse problems. Assault of persons who are suspected of crime is a common phenomenon in Sri Lanka and at large in South Asia. We all know it happens, and many do little to discourage it. The Police know it happens, but seldom enforce laws against such vigilantism. The incident also shows lack of empathy for others. The number of persons involved in the said assault could have restrained the suspect without inflicting bows. The fact that there was no intervention by management for some time during the incident also raises questions about how such Supermarkets are run.

Why many behave this way may be due to various reasons like, lack of understanding in laws, or due to a socio-cultural issue, or due to a sub culture of impunity which has taken root. Irrespective of why, it is wrong, and criminal in some situations. What is clear is that vigilantism thrives in the absence of order and due to the lack of faith in the law enforcement. Firstly, many Sri Lankans are of the view that the sizable component of the police service is corrupt and inefficient. Police responses to low-level every-day crimes are also known to be lethargic. The enthusiasm shown and the resources allocated to high profile crimes or that which involve narcotics are often not seen being employed for low-level crime fighting or community policing. Therefore, many feel that they should ‘deal’ with such low-level crimes, such as theft and shoplifting, with their own brand of justice. The prevailing drug abuse epidemic does little to help the situation with many communities, left to their own devices when it comes to securing what little valuables they have. This is an area which needs to be addressed urgently by the Government. The Police, which was trained and oriented towards counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism tasks, during the three decades-long war, is clearly struggling to transition to their routine peacetime civil duties. Even today, many Police Officers are still stuck in the war-time role, with thousands assigned to offer close protection to politicians, and government institutions. When will Sri Lanka see the return of the “beat cop”, the trusted local arm of the law who was always standing nearby in the neighbourhood and knew almost everyone in the beat?

However, it is commendable that the Police moved quickly to arrest and remand those involved in the assault of the women seen on CCTV footage. No doubt the public backlash, especially on social media, motivated the Police to act swiftly. Little is known about the woman who was assaulted. It is reported that she had attempted to shoplift from the Supermarket. It remains to be seen how the suspects will be charged and if the establishment – he supermarket chain will also be held responsible.

This incident also raises questions about the training given to supermarket staff, and private security officers on how to deal with customers and potential theft. In many countries, retail staff are ‘trained’ and given guidelines on how to deal with a range of crises, including that of theft. Do Sri Lankan retailers and supermarkets train their staff on such matters? Perhaps it is time we began asking them and holding such ‘market giants’ to a higher standing? Further, how are the private security services in Sri Lanka regulated? Are the security guards properly trained? Are they taught how to deescalate a situation and how to respond to persons who may be suffering from substance abuse? Multiple instances of security guards over reacting, and at times not reacting at all, have been reported over the years. Is it not time to review the laws and regulations which govern such private entities?