IGP crisis: President likely to grant another extension to CD

25 November 2023 06:01 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

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.

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
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

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 17

Jude Saturday, 25 November 2023 07:09 AM

මූ පල් හොරෙක් ඔව් මුන් දෙන්නම!!

Hello Hello Saturday, 25 November 2023 07:36 AM

SL has a so called president who doesn't have the guts to appoint a IGP. What do you expect from ministers and other high officials. Totally inefficient government.

Terrence K Saturday, 25 November 2023 07:52 AM

The present IGP was overlooked in his promotion which resulted in a Junior down the line promoted and thereafter what took place with no one taking responsibility to the Easter Sunday bombing of many places. Although the Public are clamouring for a new IGP what the country needs is a dynamic IGP who will be impartial irrespective of one's standing in society. Many down the line in the Police force want to occupy this slot who are lackeys of the ruling politicians which should not happen as the saying goes 'HASTE MAKES WASTE'

VRAJ Saturday, 25 November 2023 08:18 AM

THE COLOMBO AUTHORITY SO MUCH POLITICS IN SELECTING AN IGP. HOW WILL THEY DO THE NORTHEAST POLICE POWER?

sam Saturday, 25 November 2023 08:30 AM

What a govt unable to appoint a successor to a retired police officer

Ram Saturday, 25 November 2023 08:53 AM

President appears to be doing anything unconstitutional for his survival. Appointment of IG and failure to hold Local elections are examples

Onlooker Saturday, 25 November 2023 09:14 AM

This has nothing to do with right or wrong but UNP/SLPP power politics. Apparently Tiran wants Deshabandu while VVIP against it. This is dirty work afoot.

Fools paradise Saturday, 25 November 2023 09:28 AM

Sadly we live in a country where it's not possible to find a head of police. Either they are corrupt or retarded.

Christo255 Saturday, 25 November 2023 09:53 AM

Who is the lesser of 2 evils. CP or Deshabandu? Now it appears everyone has forgotten about the SLPP attacking the aragalaya. Who was leading them in front, of course Deshabandu. RW in this is right.

Waco Saturday, 25 November 2023 10:43 AM

This president can not appoint an IGP. It shows his capabilities.

Jamila Saturday, 25 November 2023 12:59 PM

Everything done by enlightened with the support of all religious sensation in the island where Mainas eat Ranila species are correct. Eat what you have, wait for the next...

Buddhist Saturday, 25 November 2023 10:08 PM

Why is Ranil so scared of Tiran? Why can't Ranil appoint someone other than Deshabandu who is supported by Tiran? What is the hold Tiran has on Ranil?

dana Sunday, 26 November 2023 06:09 AM

All senior police officers who were got the information of Easter Sunday 2019 behaved so unprofessionally to do something to avoid it but later did many things to distance themselves from the responsibility, non of these those Montessori standard officers fit to IGP posts

Sambo Tuesday, 28 November 2023 07:42 AM

Until your time is over you will have to give extensions to the IGP.

Hadiran Tuesday, 28 November 2023 08:29 AM

I feel president does not have courage and straight forward quick dicision making ability to appoint an IGP in order to curb rising unprecedented murder and crime rates in the country

Susan Tuesday, 28 November 2023 09:39 AM

Well, as announced elections next year,just in couple of months, RW and his cohorts need turmoil in the country, to rig votes, successfully, with the rising crime rate under this IG, would be better,if selecting better suit desabandu is impossible

Plato Wednesday, 29 November 2023 01:33 AM

Does this mean that if the incumbent retires then we have no one of his calibre to replace down the rank? If it is so, then there is something terribly wrong in the way SL Police force has been relied upon to safeguard public in this country. Succession should be something that should be organically grown and if it fails then look for the reason and rectify it. Prolonging someone's position by blocking other deserving candidates does not win hearts or minds.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

IGP crisis: President likely to grant another extension to CD

Comments - 17

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Government defends outsourcing of visa process

Attempt to send 17 year-old-boy to London on forged documents foiled

AstraZeneca admits for first time its COVID vaccine can cause rare side effect

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Oil and gas exploration halted by prolonged legal dispute

Ranil’s evolving strategy to win 2024 presidential poll

MIRROR CRICKET

World Cup finalist named in USA T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Co-hosts West Indies announce squad for T20 World Cup

LPL 2024 Player Auction on May 21

ICC announce Match Officials for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Protesting medical students tear-gassed

Fisherman arrested for amassing Rs.90Mn assets beyond his means

Sri Lanka drops 15 positions in World Press Freedom Index: Ranks 150

Young Lawyers flay Tiran for calling eliminating criminals not a sin

World Cup finalist named in USA T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Co-hosts West Indies announce squad for T20 World Cup

LPL 2024 Player Auction on May 21

ICC announce Match Officials for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024