Retiring Inspector General of Police N.K. Illangakoon, who began his career with the police force in January 1980, said he was leaving, a "satisfied and happy man."
At a press conference at the Police Headquarters yesterday to mark the cessation of his duties, he said of his service: "The people and 84,000 policemen and women will judge whether I have been a success or not - but I was committed fully to my duties."
Illagakoon who has served as the IGP since 2011 has weathered many storms during his tenure including the controversy surrounding the 'coup attempt' on the night of January 8, 2015: "From the Kotakethana murders to Embilipitiya, every day has been a challenge," he said and added, "I have been scrutinized many times over the years but I will let time handle it all, I believe that truth will triumph in the end."
He took the occasion to congratulate the current Ministry of Law and Order for its success in working out a policy for permanent transfers, promotions and recruitment within the police force: "The current ministry is good and the next IGP is lucky. The ministry is on the right track and together they can forge a better future for the police," Illangakoon said. The retiring IGP also stressed the importance of taking care of the welfare of police personnell and said the new IGP would have to tackle the tasks of increasing the salaries of policemen and women and the introduction of a special insurance scheme; "Seven to eight policemen die on duty every year, there needs to be a special insurance scheme for them," he said.
He also mentioned the fact that he had not asked for an extension at the end of his tenure: "I never expected to stay longer than my time," he said.
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| A parade was held to honour outgoing IGP N. K Illangakoon at Police Park, Bambalapitiya yesterday. Picture by Wimal Karunatilleke |
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