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Last Updated : 2024-05-19 08:43:00
4 July 2023 06:50 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
*** President Wickremesinghe is yet to recommend a suitable name to the Constitutional Council to appoint the 36th IGP
*** The post of IGP remains vacant since June 26, 2023
When the country is battling a rising crime rate including shootings and killings in broad daylight, the Sri Lanka Police which is in charge of maintaining public law and order, and preventing crime and terrorism, is functioning without an Inspector General of Police (IGP) for more than a week.
In the wake of IGP C.D. Wickramaratne retiring from service on June 26, 2023, the post of IGP remains vacant with a candidate for the post yet to be finalized.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is yet to recommend a suitable name to the Constitutional Council to appoint the 36th IGP of Sri Lanka Police as few names of Senior DIGs already in line for the IGP post are allegedly facing certain accusations.
With a dramatic surge in shooting and criminal incidents in recent months, Police have increased secret operations to thwart criminal activities triggered by rivalry among underworld gangs.
Since January, 2023, there have been more than 40 shooting incidents and more than 25 individuals who have been killed.
The police are continuing search operations to minimize crimes, but there is now a question mark whether these operations can function smoothly without the direct guidance and direction from the IGP.
It was reported that a week-long delay in naming the new IGP has already caused administrative issues including issuing directives related to crime and narcotic operations.
IGP C.D. Wickramaratne who held the office as the 35th IGP ended his term after getting two extensions.
Sources said that IGP Wickramaratne has not reported to office since June 26 and the administrative activities of the Police Department have been hampered due to the absence of an IGP to approve any documents and assign duties and responsibilities.
Sources said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to submit three names to the Constitutional Council to select the next IGP amidst a growing tussle.
According to the current seniority list, Senior DIG (Administration) Nilantha Jayawardena, Senior DIG (North Western Province) L.S. Pathinayake, Senior DIG (Western Province) Deshabandu Tennakoon, Senior DIG (Crime) Priyantha Weerasuriya and Senior DIG (Sabaragamuwa) P.P.S.M. Dharmaratne are among the names that are contesting for the topmost position.
Sources said the name of Senior DIG Ajith Rohana is also among the next in line for the IGP post.
Before President Wickremesinghe had extended the term of C.D. Wickramearatne in March this year, Senior DIG Tennakoon’s name had surfaced to the post of the next IGP.
However, amidst strong concerns raised from both the Catholic Church and Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), it is reported that the President had allegedly kept on hold the nomination of controversial Senior DIG Tennakoon and extended the tenure of Wickramaratne till June 26.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the end of Wickramaratne’s term coming to an end, the Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, in a letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe once again informed him not to consider appointing Senior DIGs Nilantha Jayawardene and Deshabandu Tennekoon as IGP over their alleged failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attack.
The BASL has already written to President Wickremesinghe stressing that the next Police Chief should be an officer “whose service is exemplary and free of blemish.”
Devinda Tuesday, 04 July 2023 08:12 AM
Surely there is an entire police force including a dime and dozen DIG's in place. Does it means that cease to function in the absence of an IGP? If that is the case there is something critically wrong with either the structure or the persons holding those posts. It is a well known fact that there is very heavy jockeying for the top post. All those jockeying for the post must be excluded from consideration as they have already compromised their independence and impartiality. The type of hysteria fuelled by headlines and articles such as this just play in to the hands of those lobbyists. If there isn't a suitable current DIG promote someone from beneath the DIG rank, or bring back someone like Shani Abeysekara to clean up the stables.
Jayantha Tuesday, 04 July 2023 08:58 AM
This is asetup by a person who cannot win elections but trying to hang on to power with things like this. He has experience during jvp uprising. Looking for a similar background I think.lol
Terrence K Tuesday, 04 July 2023 09:04 AM
Do away with the original system of having one person as IGP and instead appoint a Committe of three (Seniority is not necessary) to overlook the entire Police Force. The members of the committe should have an unblemished record of service who have been transparent, neither lackeys of political parties and men who command leadership skills with all round exposure in administration, crime solving etc and who the public could put their trust in receiving justice of equality through the application of the laws of the country.
Sirisena Tuesday, 04 July 2023 09:16 AM
Exaggerated. With or without an IGP everything will be same
Female Tuesday, 04 July 2023 09:58 AM
Is a woman as a IGP not a great gesture to all women in Sri Lanka? This is about time. But this never crossed your mind, I am afraid.
Man with a bad record. Tuesday, 04 July 2023 10:55 AM
Ranil is fully trying to work out a way to appoint his favourite who will safeguard him and do his dirty work and that is Desabandu. This may be the reason for the delay .
7thheaven Tuesday, 04 July 2023 11:02 AM
We need a AOG.... Act of god!!! For this country
Gamarala Tuesday, 04 July 2023 11:02 AM
The post implies that crime rate has increased without an IGP. However the statistics provided are during the term of the previous IGP. Under the circumstances, how can we expect the crime rate to decrease merely by appointment of another IGP.
Bannis Mama Tuesday, 04 July 2023 11:35 AM
Dictator Ranil Wickramasinghe acts like an IGP and he don't want another person, this is SriLanka.
Do Doo Dooo Chin Tuesday, 04 July 2023 11:37 AM
Not because of the IGP the crimes are increasing - it is because of this nasty regime lead by Ranil Rajapakshe and his dirty Potuwa henchmen.
Hassanda Tuesday, 04 July 2023 12:29 PM
Y u need a IGP He doesnt be in the field only pin padi Luxury benefits at tax payers money
DJ Tuesday, 04 July 2023 01:32 PM
Do we need the IGP to reduce crime? What a joke
BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 04 July 2023 02:17 PM
The priority in this country is not for country but to make a deal that will best serve a group of persons. This is the manner in which every piece of development has taken place. No wonder we are bankrupt.
saja Tuesday, 04 July 2023 03:17 PM
What a jock IGP
Mohammed intiquab Ghouse Tuesday, 04 July 2023 03:55 PM
Best to have a woman IGP.
Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 04 July 2023 06:52 PM
IGPs have not done anything to stop crime. The crimes were happening when IGPs were already there. But it us better to have the position filled.
Samantha Tuesday, 04 July 2023 09:09 PM
No IGP is much better than having someone from those who have criminal Background and underworld connections.
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