A discussion was held between the representatives of several organisations, representing the Lankan LGBTQ community, and the police, recently.
The dicussion was focussed on harassment and other such issues the LGBTQ community faced at the hands of the police.
The police have appointed the Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of the Police Children & Women Bureau, to atttend to such matters.
The Office of the Police Media Spokesperson, in a release, said: “On 09.12.2022, a discussion was held at the Police Headquarters with the participation of the Inspector General of Police and the Secretary of the Ministry of Women. Children Affairs and Social Empowerment with the representatives of several organizations on behalf of the LGBTQ community and their attorneys-at-law regarding the prevention of difficulties faced by the LGBTQ community while interacting with senior police officers.
“Various opinions were expressed, regarding the issues and difficulties faced by the LGBTQ community, when interacting with the Police on certain matters pertaining to their daily activities. Sri Lanka Police paid special attention to transgender persons and the Inspector General of Police took the decision to appoint the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Woman) in charge of Range for the ‘Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women’ to take measures in this regard after maintaining coordination and to appoint the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police – Administration to act directly on behalf of the Inspector General of Police. Further, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Legal Range was given necessary instructions to extend the support required.”