sri lanka's commissions of inquiry - Law & Society Trust

Finally, I would recommend that the Police should have sufficient man-power, be equipped
with an adequate supply of vehicles, and be given clear instructions which they should
always have in mind, so that they may be able to take swift, stern, and sufficient action to
suppress an outbreak of violence. 234
The lessons to be learned from the facts I have mentioned are that (1) if lawlessness is not
immediately nipped in the bud, it can grow fast and spread over a large area; (2) if the law
is not enforced both by the police and the Courts with all deliberate speed, it will cease to
exercise that essential discipline over the lives of the lawbreakers, which is the guarantee
of peace and order in the country. 235
Political Leaders It is deplorable that, as Mr. Jayasinghe stated, some Members of Parliament aided and
abetted or instigated the wrongdoers. The tragedy was heightened by the failure of the
Police, who had been warned, to take preventive action at once. There is no place for
political violence in a democracy. It should be outlawed and stamped out speedily. 236
The national interest requires that there should be patriotic collaboration across the party
battle lines. 237
I have no doubt that it is necessary to lay down guidelines, preferably after a meeting
between the Government and the T.U.L.F, where the existing areas of conflict can be
discussed. 238
234.
Commission Report, 1980, p.268.
235.
Commission Report, 1980, p.270.
236.
Commission Report, 1980, p.270.
237.
Commission Report, 1980, p.273.
238.
Commission Report, 1980, p.273.
149