Concerns were raised at yesterday’s (4) Cabinet media briefing regarding reports that certain police stations, including the recently established Badowita Police Post in the Mount Lavinia Police Division, remain unattended during night hours.

A journalist presented information suggesting that some outposts in areas identified as high-risk for narcotics activity are left unmanned after dark. The Badowita Police Post, formally opened on 1 January this year, was highlighted as a particular concern.

According to the journalist, residents in the area claimed the post is closed at night, with lights switched off and no officers present. The journalist added that they personally visited the station around 2:00 a.m. and observed that it appeared deserted. However, it was also noted that officers may have been temporarily deployed to other operations targeting drug-related crime.

Similar issues were raised about the Katubedda Police Post (Morapola) on Galle Road, constructed during the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration at significant expense, which is also reportedly unstaffed.

Citing a recent incident in Piliyandala where two police officers were chased by a van before it was intercepted on Galle Road, the journalist observed that active staffing at the Ratmalana or Katubedda posts might have helped prevent such situations, pointing to potential operational gaps within the Galkissa Police Division.

The journalist also drew attention to complaints of arbitrary arrests, alleging that individuals are being detained purely on suspicion based on their appearance or clothing, held for up to 24 hours, fingerprinted, and released only after facing unnecessary hardship.

Responding to the concerns, Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa reaffirmed that the government’s anti-narcotics and public security efforts are carried out in the interest of citizens. He said such allegations cannot be addressed in general terms and requested that specific evidence be provided if unlawful police actions are suspected.

Jayatissa expressed appreciation to the media for drawing attention to the issue and assured that the Police leadership would take action where officers are found to have neglected their duties, particularly during the ongoing operations to suppress organised crime and narcotics.

“The vigilance of both the media and the public is vital,” Jayatissa said, “as their cooperation strengthens efforts to combat criminal networks and ensure public safety.”