Sri Lanka, July 21 -- The Sri Lanka Police should retract its July 9 statement urging the public to report individuals who acquired significant assets or live luxurious lifestyles without an apparent lawful source of income, the United National Party stated today.

The directive violates the fundamental role of the police service, citing the UK's Independent Inquiry Report which defines policing as upholding law and order and bringing offenders to justice, the UNP argued.

"The purpose of the Police service is to uphold law and order and bring to justice those who break the law, to keep the Queen's peace," the party noted.

Highlighting that Sri Lanka lacks a wealth tax, the UNP pointed out that many rural families gained assets legitimat...