The Scottish police force is intending to renew its controversial training contract with its Sri Lankan counterparts despite ongoing allegations of the security forces widespread use of torture, The Ferret reported.

The training project which expired in March, was launched in 2012.

Defending the contract, Superintendent Shaun McKillop, of the Police Scotland’s International Development Unit, was quoted by The Ferret as saying:

“Police Scotland is viewed as a worldwide exemplar of law enforcement training and has provided assistance to the Sri Lankan authorities on a project funded by the British High Commission to develop a National Police Academy, with the capacity to deliver accredited programmes.”

“The initial focus has been on the development of training modules in organisational management, ethical leadership and crime investigation supported by the development of academic governance systems and processes in Sri Lanka, and involved a series of deployments of subject specialists.”

“This project followed an earlier three year initiative to develop community policing in Sri Lanka, funded by the Scottish Government.”

“The last contract expired on 31st March 2016, however we are in dialogue with the British High Commission about a new contract for 2016/17 which will further the work already undertaken to develop the courses delivered by the National Police Academy, and building capacity in other key areas of policing.”

“We appreciate that the creation of a complete criminal justice system, following many years of civil war, is a long-term project for the Sri Lankan authorities, and are grateful for the opportunity to help them develop a system which is based on the highest ethical standards.”

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