The Sri Lanka Police have launched an inquiry into a Grade 05 scholarship tuition teacher who had misused Police vehicles for a private event, a video of which has been widely circulated on social media.
Speaking to Newswire, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that the female tuition teacher had requested Police personnel and vehicles for an event held to honour students who had passed the Grade 05 Scholarship Examination.
He said she had claimed that the event would host 8000 students and 35,000 parents, due to which the security measures were required.
“We conducted an intelligence check. As this event involved children and the background check was clear, we approved the request. We offered 20 Police officers, some Police motorcycles and a Police car for a payment of close to Rs. 200,000. We offered the service only after the payment was made in full,” he said.
SSP Buddhika Manathunga said, however, the tuition teacher had used the vehicles to boost her image, instead of utilising them for the requested purpose.
He said that, as such, a Police inquiry has been launched against her over the misuse of Police vehicles.
When inquired if individuals can use Police vehicles for personal use, the Police Spokesman revealed that the Sri Lanka Police provides vehicles for events that are ticketed and are used for common purposes.
“Events that are ticketed and generate an income can request Police security and vehicles. These are events such as film shootings, private carnivals and musical shows, welfare events, etc. An intelligence check is conducted, and based on clearance, the services are offered for a payment,” he said.
SSP Buddhika Manathunga said this is done as an additional income for the Sri Lanka Police, with the payments received being transferred to the government.
He clarified that, however, events related to schools, welfare, and national events are provided with Police security free of charge, reiterating that Police vehicles will never be provided for the personal use of individuals. (Newswire)