Executing Police Powers during Demonstrations: Legal Challenges in the Sri Lankan Context

Abstract

Upholding peace and order in the society is the prime duty and responsibility of the police force. In the present context, this main objective has become a challenge to the police officials due to various circumstances because they are directly involved with the civil life of the people. This was particularly evident in the incidents that recently transpired in Sri Lanka, where police officials executed their powers during demonstrations. This had eventually evolved into unlawful assembly and riots, resulting in the death of policemen as well as civilians. In this regard, the objective of this research is to critically evaluate the legal challenges faced by the police officials in Sri Lanka in executing their Powers, in order to advocate peace and order in the society during a demonstration which at times evolves into unlawful assembly. Additionally, this research will examine the legal framework for the police force to intervene in demonstrations. This research thus delves in examining the challenges faced within the practical scenario rather than the theoretical procedures of both the police and civil majority. Identifying these challenges would minimize the abuse of police powers and to ensure further civil trust to the police force. This study will be based on a qualitative research method which will critically analyse applicable legal standards, practical experiences of the police officials, views of the experts, demonstrators and ordinary citizens in order to understand the problem and to find possible answers. These reforms are to be introduced to our country, in order to expand developmental horizons through education, research and innovation to the police force to overcome possible challenges in the future.