The Sri Lanka Police Relatives Community (SLPRC) will file a Fundamental Rights petition against the decision made to reduce the combined allowance (Batta) for police officers.
A complaint will be filed with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) this week on the issue. “This is a grave injustice,” he said adding that the SLPRC is collecting signatures of Police Officers for the fundamental rights petition.
The Batta was increased last year through the circular 20/2018 based on the Cabinet decision made on July 24, 2018. Following the decision, however, the payment of the increased Batta was irregular. “Two special divisions were paid the increased amount for two months, while some divisions were paid for a month,” SLPRC Secretary Prasad Wedage said. He said that some Police Stations were paid the allowance for just eight days of work.
“Since December, they have reverted to paying the BATA as prior to the 20/2018 circular,” he said. Acting IGP C.D Wickramaratne has sent a circular this month reducing the number of days the Batta to just 14 days.
Pointing out that steps were taken recently to double the housing rent and ration allowance of the tri-forces, Wedage said the discrimination faced by Police Officers is demoralising the force. “Police officers have dedicated 24 hours a day to serve the country, therefore, they must receive the increased allowance,” he said.
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