DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA 
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NPC rejects Acting IGP’s allegations of interfering in Police affairs
- Commission informs IGP of potential constitutional crisis
- Challenges IGP’s consultation with the Attorney General on OIC transfers
In response to Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya's criticism of the National Police Commission (NPC) over certain appointments, the NPC has addressed the issue, rejecting allegations of interference in the internal affairs of the Police Department.
The dispute between the NPC and the Acting IGP came to the forefront last week after Weerasooriya accused the NPC of interfering with the internal workings of the Police Department, claiming that, without the necessary powers to make transfers, he was only an IGP in name.
The Commission has responded to the Acting IGP's claim in order to clarify the position of the NPC in this regard.
The NPC explained that, out of the approximately 80,000 officers in the Sri Lanka Police, it only handles appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions for a select group of officers—607 HQIs/OICs and 813 State Notified Officers (including the Special Task Force), totaling about 1,420 officers.
It further clarified that the appointment, promotion, and disciplinary control of all other officers has been formally delegated to the Inspector General of Police, in line with the Constitution. These delegated officers, along with the IGP, are free to act within the bounds of existing rules, regulations, circulars, and procedures, without interference from the NPC.
The NPC rejected the Acting IGP’s allegations, stating that the Commission does not meddle in the internal affairs of the Police Department or obstruct the IGP’s role. The Commission emphasized that it always performs its duties in accordance with the Constitution and other relevant laws and regulations.
The current NPC has collaborated with two previous IGPs, and continues to work with the current Acting IGP.
Regarding the specific issue raised by the Acting IGP, the NPC stated that after his appointment, he requested transfers for various senior officers, including 10 Senior DIGs, 14 DIGs, 60 SSPs, 13 SPs, 58 ASPs, and 239 OICs, between 27.09.2024 and 31.01.2025. The NPC explained that these requests were carefully studied and discussed, with approval granted for 8 Senior DIGs, 13 DIGs, 58 SSPs, 12 SPs, 56 ASPs, and 183 OIC transfers.
However, the NPC noted that several of the requested transfers were not approved because the necessary supporting information was not provided.
The NPC also pointed out that, despite approving many of the transfers in line with the Acting IGP’s requests, they had yet to be implemented. The Commission has taken steps to inquire with the Acting IGP regarding this delay.
Moreover, the NPC highlighted that, despite the Acting IGP's claim of consulting the Attorney General regarding the appointment and transfer of Police OICs, no official notification had been received by the NPC. Since the appointment, transfer, and disciplinary control of Police OICs fall under the NPC's authority, the Commission stated that it would not be appropriate for the Acting IGP to consult the Attorney General without informing the NPC.
The Commission said that on 21.02.2024, the Acting IGP was informed about the potential constitutional crisis arising from the non-implementation of certain decisions made by the NPC. The Commission said that it has also notified the Constitutional Council of the situation.
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