President yet to name new IGP as C.D. Wickramaratne retires

27 November 2023 07:13 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 16 Bookmark

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Colombo, Nov. 27 (Daily Mirror) - The position of Sri Lanka’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) remains vacant, with Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena, in-charge of Administration, overseeing the duties of the IGP until an official appointment is made, police said.

IGP C.D. Wickramaratne retired on Saturday after several service extensions.

C.D. Wickremaratne was appointed IGP in 2019. He was granted several service extensions, despite objections from the Constitutional Council. His retirement comes at a time when Sri Lanka is facing a surge in crime rates.

Meanwhile, Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa responding to reports that Western Province Senior DIG Dheshabandu Thennakoon had been appointed to the position, said that no such appointment was made as of now.

The President’s secretariat will make an announcement regarding the appointment of a new IGP in due course,” Thalduwa added.

In the meantime, Senior DIGS in charge of all the provinces will oversee their respective duties, he said.

The delay in appointing a new IGP has been criticized by various quarters, including the opposition, legal experts, and civil society groups. They argue that the delay is undermining public confidence in the police and hindering the government’s efforts to address rising crime.

The President is expected to appoint a new IGP in the coming days. However, there is no indication of who the new IGP will be.

According to the current seniority list, Senior DIGS Nilantha Jayawardena, L.S. Pathinayake, Deshabandu Thennakoon, and Ajith Rohana are among the contenders for the topmost position. The appointment of a new IGP is a critical decision that will have a significant impact on the Sri Lankan police force and the country’s security situation.

It is important that the President appoints a competent and respected individual who can restore public confidence and lead the police force in tackling the country’s crime challenges.

Comments - 16

Sanjeewani Monday, 27 November 2023 07:26 AM

Mr President please prove that you have balls by going against one of your deputies and appoint a most suitable person to the post even from outside the police department due to serious competition within.

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Hail hitler Monday, 27 November 2023 08:03 AM

Why not RW wear that hat also.. Since he's poking his paws into every thing..

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L Jaya Monday, 27 November 2023 08:04 AM

President hands are being tighten by SLPP. This is the reason he goes round and round. Looks like he is paying the price of becoming President, which he had a thirst for power. God bless SL

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Jaffna Logic Monday, 27 November 2023 08:32 AM

We can’t go on with the same police culture that we have, let’s have a fresh start with new perspective . Boldly cut off the DIGs and appoint a cultured civilian as the next IGP. Possible candidates can be a University Professor , a Criminal Lawyer, or a retired High Court Judge.

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Vijaya Weerasinghe Monday, 27 November 2023 09:19 AM

Rumour is that Shani Abeysekera may be recommended as the next IGP, with the objective of an efficient cleanup.

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Jude Monday, 27 November 2023 09:31 AM

Looking for a another scumbag sucker who could do the DIRTY work for him!!!

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Ram Monday, 27 November 2023 09:57 AM

Police Minister, MR

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Gemunu Kumara Monday, 27 November 2023 10:25 AM

President needs to seriously consider appointing SDIG Deshabandu Tennakoon. He will be the best officer to tackle crime and maintain the law and order. Give him powers to catch all the thugs who burnt down houses during the unrest last year.

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Onlooker Monday, 27 November 2023 12:39 PM

Yes he will be good because he is a lawbreaker himself who abused his position to help the R's. Set a thief to catch thieves but them what about morality.

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Mahila Monday, 27 November 2023 01:43 PM

Last time Galle Face 05/2022, he did nothing to quell, in spite of Request by President Gota himself. Fine man to entrust responsibility!!??

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Roisin Monday, 27 November 2023 10:31 AM

Maybe a woman as a IGP?

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Bandu Monday, 27 November 2023 10:41 AM

Ratata Theruwan Saranai, Baarak Allahu Feek, and May God bless SL. With this type of "good governance" no hope at all.

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ChildOfGod Monday, 27 November 2023 10:44 AM

Thoughts and prayers with all citizens that the replacement will be a person who has the guts to call a ace a ace and a spade a spade. A strong and outspoken guy who will NOT bow down to anyone and will CLEAN UP the POLICE force and bring ALL those responsible before a court of LAW and ORDER. We need the judicial system to be strong and stick together in bring up ALL cases that come up to give JUSTICE to the Citizens and get back ALL the ill-gotten wealth fixed and/or from moveable back into the country and get our Motherland back on its feet. Also, someone who can HANDLE CHINA.

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Village an Monday, 27 November 2023 12:08 PM

Who else could do all sort of dirty work for RW, in forthcoming elections would be fit to prez

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Ram Monday, 27 November 2023 01:58 PM

The SDIG that the Police Minister and MR support are not to the liking of RW for reasons that we all know. To continue in office RW need their support too. What will happen cannot be fathomed

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C.K.Lankaputhra Monday, 27 November 2023 02:04 PM

We are for Shani. He is the most suitable and that the most sensible and appropriate decision. People of thid country excepting baiyas will inivocaly approve his appointment . Come on Ranil.

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