Of them, only 200 have been investigated, BBC Sandeshaya reports.

Complaints against the police are with regard to inaction, abuse of power and partiality, said the commission’s secretary Ariyadasa Cooray.

When pointed out that social media has posted many instances of improper action by policemen, he said the commission could not investigate without a complaint, which is mandatory as per the establishment code.

Other than investigating public complaints, the commission has many other tasks to fulfill, including the appointment, promotion, transfer and disciplining of police officers as well as making the police independent and efficient, he added.