The United National Party (UNP) has called on Sri Lanka Police to immediately withdraw its July 9 public notice requesting information on individuals allegedly living luxurious lifestyles or possessing assets acquired through illegal means.
In a statement, the UNP warned that the notice, issued without clear guidelines, could expose rural communities to harassment and intimidation.
The party said the police notice was inconsistent with the principles outlined in the United Kingdom’s Report of Independent Inquiry, which states that the primary role of the police is to maintain law and order, bring offenders to justice and preserve public peace.
The UNP further noted that Sri Lanka does not impose a wealth tax and that many people, particularly in rural areas, accumulate assets through legitimate means such as overseas employment. It added that some individuals may not have formally declared their assets due to a lack of understanding of the country’s tax system.
The statement also argued that there is no clear legal mechanism to determine whether assets have been acquired without a lawful source of income, warning that the notice could become a tool for public harassment.
The party said Sri Lanka Police should have consulted the Police Narcotics Bureau, the Inland Revenue Department and the Attorney General’s Department before issuing the notice in order to establish clear operational guidelines.
Accordingly, the UNP urged the police to withdraw the existing notice and issue a revised statement with clear and specific guidelines that would prevent the public from being subjected to unnecessary inconvenience or harassment.
