The Social Impact of the “Janatha Aragalaya 2022” Movement on Law Enforcement in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In recent years, public movements encouraging accountability and justice have gained significant motion worldwide. This research focuses on the Janatha Aragalaya 2022 movement. The research objectives were to assess its influence on public perception and trust in law enforcement agencies, investigate changes in the relationship between law enforcement and the community, and analyze the impact of the movement’s initiatives on the accountability and transparency of law enforcement practices. The study applied a quantitative research design, utilizing descriptive analysis, multiple linear regression, and inferential analyses. The research sample consisted of 49 individuals, including civil and police officers, selected through a simple random sampling method, and data were gathered through the questionnaire method. The findings revealed a weakly negative (-0.44) relationship between public perception and trust in law enforcement, as indi cated by the regression equation Y = 3.43 + (−042) + (−0.31) − e. The analysis did not find a significant relationship between law enforcement and the community (-0.18). However, there was a weakly negative relationship (-0.37) between accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices, indicating some impact of the movement on these aspects. To further improve accountability and transparency, it is recommended to implement community outreach programs, enhance transparency in operations, improve communication with the public, engage in community-oriented policing practices, actively listen to community concerns, and collaborate with community members to address any issues or grievances. Building strong partnerships with the community can foster trust and enhance the link between law enforcement and the community. In conclusion, the Janatha Aragalaya 2022 movement had some impact on public perception and trust in law enforcement agencies and a weak influence on the accountability and transparency of law enforcement practices. Further efforts are needed to address the identified issues and reinstate trust in law enforcement while promoting accountability and transparency in future operations.