UNP requests police to withdraw directive on unexplained wealth

The Sri Lanka Police should retract its July 9 statement urging the public to report individuals who acquired significant assets or live luxurious lifestyles without an apparent lawful source of income, the United National Party stated today.

The directive violates the fundamental role of the police service, citing the UK’s Independent Inquiry Report which defines policing as upholding law and order and bringing offenders to justice, the UNP argued.

“The purpose of the Police service is to uphold law and order and bring to justice those who break the law, to keep the Queen’s peace,” the party noted.

Highlighting that Sri Lanka lacks a wealth tax, the UNP pointed out that many rural families gained assets legitimately, including through foreign employment.

Others may fail to declare earnings due to limited awareness of tax procedures, while without clear guidelines, the police directive could become an instrument of harassment and intimidation, the party warned.

Such matters should be coordinated with the Police Narcotics Unit, Inland Revenue Department, and Attorney General’s Department before issuing public instructions, the UNP stressed.

The party urged the police to withdraw the statement and replace it with a more specific directive to avoid undue pressure on rural communities.