BASL urges President to appoint IGP in a transparent manner

18 March 2023 07:01 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged that the appointment of the Inspector General of Police be done in a transparent manner so as to establish public confidence in the appointment process.

The BASL urges that no officer who has pending Fundamental Rights or criminal cases against him or any allegations of involvement in unlawful activity be appointed to the office of the Inspector General of Police.

The BASL observed that Sri Lanka Police has had a practice that the promotions of police officers who are named as suspects or accused in criminal matters or are Respondents in Fundamental Rights applications such as those relating to illegal arrests and torture are withheld during the pendency of such applications. Similarly,

promotions of officers who have a blemished record in the Sri Lanka Police are regularly withheld. The BASL is of the view that the same or higher standards must be adopted by the Executive in appointing the Inspector General of Police.

The BASL is also of the view that prior to the approval of the appointment of the Inspector General of Police that the procedures to be followed in regard to recommendations or approvals for appointments under Article 41B or 41C should be determined by the Constitutional Council as provided for in Article 41E(6) of the Constitution.

"During the last few decades, there has been a serious erosion of public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police. The lack of independence, politicisation, police brutality, custodial deaths, and lack of professionalism have all contributed to the erosion of public confidence in the Police. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is of the view that public confidence in the Police is vital for the administration of justice and the rule of law," the BASL statement added.

This letter had been issued under the signatures of BASL President Saliya Pieris PC and its Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi and copies of this letter have also been sent to the members of the Constitutional Council.(Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

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Comments - 16

Anil Fernando Saturday, 18 March 2023 07:30 PM

Doesnt the president make the appointment on the recommendations of the Constitutional council ? Does Saliya pieris want President to disregard the CC ?

Aquarius Saturday, 18 March 2023 08:46 PM

This is not the only business that has to be done in a transparent manner. Transparency is not RW/RR's strength because he cannot achieve his dreams if he goes down that road. The LG elections and IMF conditions for the loan are two current issues where transparency is taking a back seat. Deshabandu is the last person to be considered for IGP and for some reason if that happens, heaven forbid, we are in for an interesting ride!

Baying at the moon again Saturday, 18 March 2023 09:31 PM

Transparency is western concept. These appointments are done with our historical methods. BASL better wake up to what our culture is really about. Recently they were baying to the moon about Supreme Court being able to uphold law. Obviously BASL are too naive about how politics work, especially with Justices not paying their due PAYE taxes by using court action.

Zaza Saturday, 18 March 2023 11:08 PM

We expect a Government where Transparency, accountability and meritocracy will prevail.

Cheers Sunday, 19 March 2023 03:22 AM

BASL should keep of politics you ruined the country especially Saliya peiris leading aragalaya

Jagath Ekanayake Sunday, 19 March 2023 04:05 AM

Nothing the president does is transparent. It is always underhand and hidden. We Sri Lankans are paying for a past sin to be burdened with such a low calibre person as the current president.

Jagath Leanage Sunday, 19 March 2023 06:31 AM

Doubt . Another political STOOGE will be appointed and that one will be the man.

BASL getting forigners inolved for them too Sunday, 19 March 2023 07:26 AM

BASL has obviously written through to the 'Bar Council of England and Wales' who are now also complaining about the LG polls. Our public is against 13A to the Constitution, and not implementing it against rule of law too, but mad people want the Indian put in badness to our Constitution. The British don't say anything about that all these years.

Gayan Sunday, 19 March 2023 07:34 AM

Can you also mandate that the lawyers earnings be made transparent so that they pay the due taxes to the country

Nm Sunday, 19 March 2023 08:20 AM

Who is running this country? BASL? The unions? Section of Buddhist clergy? The Cardinal? They meddle with everything.

City Sunday, 19 March 2023 01:11 PM

Well said.....

Nihal Sunday, 19 March 2023 01:22 PM

Democracy and transparency are both essential if Sri Lanka needs to start focusing on improving the current situation. The Executive presidency which created by former president JR for his own benefit has put the country back in 20years and now all communities are suffering from this impact. There is no doubt the parliamentary system needs to be strengthened if we need to eliminate personal preferences instead of merit and eliminate corruption from current system

Nuwan Sunday, 19 March 2023 02:31 PM

Damn good question. This is the country that has so many associations, press conferences and pressure groups. Yet there are so many silent voices.

Terrence K Sunday, 19 March 2023 05:00 PM

When good advice is proferred by BASL we need a President to be humble enough to take on board in appointing a person who has not tarnished his image by being a lackey of politicians but a person who is courageous to apply the law without fear or favour and everything what he does should be transparent as the law is Sacred and it applies to all irrespective of race religion or public standing otherwise the other branches of the constitution which are the legislative, executve and judicial which functions to ensure checks and balances will not function smoothly. The Police force which was a proud govt. organization has gone to the doldrums because Political Patronage has been the bane of the problem where justice to the citizenship has had different measures in application of the law which is in a pathetic state. Our country should bring about a change for EQUITY TO ALL AND EVERYONE IRRESPECTIVE THE STANDING OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND FOR THAT THE NEED OF THE HOUR IS AN INDEPENDENT IGP

Anthony. R Monday, 20 March 2023 01:47 PM

It is very appreciable of the BASL for being proactive. Yes the post of IGP must be for a gentleman of high Integrity. Definitely Not for a political stooge. But this is SriLanka.

BASL asking for something not happen for decades Monday, 20 March 2023 05:00 PM

Maybe the public is so naive they thought current IGP was appointed transparently. As far as I know all previous ones for last five parliaments were put up because they were favoured to support the government of the day. A capable and independent person who is neutral to do the law, ahead of political favour will not be elevated in police force.

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BASL urges President to appoint IGP in a transparent manner

Comments - 16

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