Lanka's new police chief says no let up in anti-graft drive

Sri Lanka's ongoing investigations on incidents of corruption would be pursued with more vigour without bowing to any political pressure, new police chief Pujith Jayasundera said today.
He made the remarks while addressing reporters a day after assuming duties as the 34th inspector general yesterday.
Asked if the police's Financial Crime Division (FCID) would be continued, Jayasundera said: "Yes, it will be. The FCID will be provided with more resources."
The Division has started investigations against members of the former Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, including the ex-president's family members.
The opposition, which backs Rajapaksa, has dubbed the FCID illegal.
Jayasundera said the FCID was a national need.

"We can't allow the abuse of public properties and corruption," said the new police chief.
He said all pending investigations would be continued, admitting that there have been some delays in the proceedings.
The police will conduct its affairs independently without bowing to political pressures and that they will have more independence and freedom under the current government than under the previous government, he said.