SL intensifies Operation “Yukthiya” amidst international backlash
January 14, Colombo (LNW): Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshbandu Tennakoon has issued a directive instructing all police divisional OICs, district OICs, station OICs, and crime OICs to actively engage in Operation “Yukthiya” (Justice), commencing today (14).
This instruction was conveyed during an awareness programme organised for the officers.
The Ministry of Public Security has provided essential information for the operation, encompassing details on 35,505 warrants issued, identification of 4,258 suspects through fingerprints, and the pursuit of 2,485 known suspects wanted for prior offenses.
The Acting IGP underscored the need for an intensive deployment of all crime branch officers, ensuring 24/7 coverage for the next month across all police divisions involved in Yukthiya.
Simultaneously, the National Police Commission has released a statement outlining corrective measures for the Acting IGP in connection with Operation Yukthiya.
These measures are said to have detailed instructions on the imperative for all officers to adhere strictly to the existing legal framework, upholding the principles enshrined in the constitution, particularly those pertaining to the protection of basic human rights.
The Acting IGP has been instructed to clearly communicate these requirements to all participating officers and promptly report back to the Commission on the implementation of these directives.
These directives appear in the backdrop where international human rights watchers and local activists critise the Sri Lankan government’s approach to Operation Yukthiya, raising concerns about potential human rights violations targeting civilians in the pursuit of narcotics and underworld operations.
