The United National Party (UNP) today called on the Sri Lanka Police to retract its July 9 statement urging the public to report individuals who have “suddenly acquired significant assets or are living luxurious lifestyles without any apparent lawful source of income.” The UNP argued that 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 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 has no wealth tax, the UNP pointed out that many rural families have gained assets legitimately, including through foreign employment. Others may have failed to declare earnings due to limited awareness of tax procedures. Without clear guidelines, the party warned, the police directive could become “an instrument of harassment and intimidation.” The UNP stressed that such matters should be coordinated with the Police Narcotics Unit, Inland Revenue Department, and Attorney General’s Department before issuing public instructions. It urged the police to withdraw the statement and replace it with a more specific directive to avoid undue pressure on rural communities. (Newswire)
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