25 November 2023 06:01 am
Colombo - (Daily Mirror) - The prolonged saga of appointing a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) has reached a critical juncture, leaving the country’s law enforcement in a state of uncertainty and raising concerns about the government’s ability to address rising crime rates.
The current IGP, Chandana Wickramaratne, has been granted multiple extensions of service despite objections from the Constitutional Council, which is responsible for vetting and approving high-level appointments.
Wickramaratne’s term as the IGP ended on June 26 this year after a couple of extensions. Then the President granted him three months extension twice and twice 3-week extension. Sources said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to grant C.D. Wickramaratne another service extension, the fifth extension, despite the criticisms and objections.
These extensions have been met with criticism from various quarters, including the opposition, legal experts, and civil society groups, who view them as a disregard for constitutional norms and a violation of the public’s right to a competent and accountable police force.
Meanwhile, crime rates in Sri Lanka have been on the rise, with incidents of shootings, robbery, assault, and drug-related offences increasing in recent months. This surge in crime has heightened public anxiety and raised questions about the effectiveness of the police force under its current leadership.
The President’s failure to appoint a new IGP amidst these pressing concerns has been met with widespread dismay. Many believe that the prolonged delay in selecting a suitable candidate is indicative of a lack of political will and a failure to prioritise public safety.
The opposition claimed that the lack of a permanent IGP could demoralise the police force, leading to a decline in performance and a decrease in public trust.
The public’s confidence in the police force is already at a low, and the failure to appoint a new IGP could further erode this trust. The IGP crisis could contribute to political instability and undermine the government’s credibility.
The government must prioritise the appointment of a competent and respected police chief to restore public confidence, address rising crime rates, and uphold the rule of law.