The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday passed a resolution condemning the recent statement made by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles calling upon newly-passed out police recruits that it was not a sin to eradicate criminals.

BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne told the Sunday Times that the resolution was moved over the statement made by the Minister on Thursday at the passing out parade of specially-trained officers of the first combat motorbike unit to eradicate criminal elements in the Western and Southern Provinces at the STF Camp in Katukurunda, Kalutara.

The Minister told the officers “it is not a sin” to eradicate those involved in murders, selling drugs and trafficking drugs.

The Bar Council resolved that if the Minister does not step down, the President should take action to remove him from the Public Security Ministry post, Mr Nawaratne said.

The Bar Association stated that they would resort to local as well as international legal action if the Minister would not be removed from his position.

Mr Nawaratne said that the statement comes in the wake of a breakdown of the law and order situation and alleged that the Sri Lanka Police was involved in various illegal acts in the recent months.