IGP’S validity in doubt among higher-ups following Constitutional Council’s extension rejection

The recent rejection of the extension of service for Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne by the Constitutional Council has reportedly caused issues within the Sri Lanka Police administration amid escalating crime rates in the country.

Internal police sources have revealed that since the Constitutional Council rejected the extension of Wickramaratne’s service, there has been ongoing discussion within the police force regarding the validity of even the signatures applied by the IGP.

C.D. Wickramaratne was granted a threeweek extension as the IGP by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 13, after his previous three-month extension expired on October 09. Wickramaratne’s term as the IGP ended on June 26 this year, following a series of extensions.

The Constitutional Council rejected the three-week service extension approved by the President, despite both President Wickremesinghe, serving as the Minister of Defense, and Minister of Public Security (responsible for the Police), Tiran Alles, being out of the country at the time.

However, while on an official visit to Beijing, China, the President reversed the decision made by the Constitutional Council and ordered from Beijing that necessary arrangements be made for the re-appointment of the Inspector General of Police.

Police sources said that certain administrative issues have arisen following this incident, and some senior officers are expressing their concerns and seeking clarification on the decisions made by the IGP.

IGP’S role is crucial during periods of high crime rates because they provide leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and the necessary resources to effectively address and reduce crime. (DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA)