Police officers should conduct traffic stops from locations clearly visible to other road users and should not attempt to stop vehicles by hiding in secluded areas or behind bushes, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) W. P. J. Senadheera said.
He said vehicles should not be stopped arbitrarily or with the intention of obtaining money in a manner that could raise public suspicion.
According to the DIG, vehicles should only be stopped at suitable and publicly visible locations, such as bus stops.
He also reminded drivers that they should never hand money directly to police officers. Fines must be paid through legally authorised channels, such as post offices, and both offering and accepting bribes on the road constitute serious offences.
The statement follows the circulation on social media of a video allegedly showing a police officer attached to the Dambulla Expressway Unit accepting a bribe.
An investigation has been launched into the incident, while the officer concerned has been removed from traffic duties and transferred to another police station.
DIG Senadheera stressed that the Sri Lanka Police will take strict action against officers involved in bribery or corruption and will not show any leniency towards such offences under the Bribery Act.
