The two-page Gazette notification creating the new Ministry of Law and Order has divested all functions of the Police Department from the Ministry of Defence. Whilst the Police Department has been listed as the only organisation under the Ministry, the laws it is required to implement are-

(a) the Police Ordinance

(b) All other legislation specified under this Department and “not specifically brought under the purview of any other Ministry and remaining currently in force.” The functions listed for the new Ministry are:

* Formulation of policies, programmes and projects in relation to the subjects of Public Security and Law and Order and subjects that come under the purview of Department and Institutions, with a view to building a disciplined country and a state imbued with values based on Mahinda Chinthana-Vision for the Future- and such other National Policies that may be adopted by the Government.

* Direction of the implementation of such policies, programmes and projects within timelines agreed with the national planning authorities and within budget resources, with a view to achieving relevant objectives.

* Provision of all Public Services that come under the purview of the Ministry in an efficient and people friendly manner.

*Reforming of all systems and procedures to ensure the conduct of business in an efficient manner, deploying modern management techniques and technology where applicable while eliminating corruption and waste.

*Maintenance of Law and Order.

*Traffic Control.

* All other subjects that come under the purview of the Police Department.