Two training sessions were held in Colombo for 83 police officers under NPC’s project, Collective Engagement for Religious Freedom (CERF). At the first session, NPC Executive Director Dr Jehan Perera explained the objectives of the training to the participants.

Lawyer Jagath Liyana Arachchi spoke on religious co-existence and religious freedom through establishing rule of law. The police officers learnt about the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act and its use.

Director of Community Policing Unit, Priyankara de Silva, spoke on how community policing could be used to reduce religious tension while lawyer Nilukshi Munasinghe described the evolution and protection human rights.

At the second session Mr de Silva explained the objectives of community policing and how to use it to achieve conflict resolution. Ms Munasinghe spoke on human rights citing practical examples. NPC Chairman Dr Joe Williams emphasised the importance of being a friendly face to the community.

Lawyer Gehan Gunatilleke narrated the history of the ICCPR Act and its relation to the legal framework while lawyer Yasas de Silva explained the practical use of the ICCPR Act by using examples.

Former Human Rights Commissioner, Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa, led a discussion on religious co-existence and protection of human rights. Dr Mahanamahewa recommended that NPC inform the IGP of the suggestions and proposals made by the participants, who said they could serve the community better with their new knowledge.