Colombo (LNW): The Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security, chaired by MP Sarath Weerasekera, has discussed concerns regarding individuals hiring private security guards for personal protection, the Parliamentary Communications Department reported.
The committee acknowledged that the public faces challenges due to individuals escorted by private security, and while police legally cannot intervene in personal security matters, the use of weapons by private security personnel requires regulation.
The committee has decided to inform the Ministry of Defense to establish criteria for regulating private security services. Additionally, the committee addressed issues related to the rise of underworld activities, the need for competent police officers in crime prevention, drug control efforts, and the importance of strict law enforcement, particularly regarding the confiscation of property from drug traffickers.
The Police emphasised that having competent Officers in Charge (OICs) capable of identifying criminals in their designated areas can proactively prevent crimes. Consequently, efforts are underway to identify skilled police OICs and deploy them to their respective areas for service.
The chairman highlighted the significant loss of lives in road accidents and instructed the purchase of necessary equipment to identify drivers under the influence of drugs for police stations nationwide.
The committee further emphasised the importance of public vigilance to prevent robberies.
Members of Parliament and officials, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and the Inspector General of Police, were present at the meeting on 22 November 2023.
