27 July 2024 12:00 am Views - 908
By Kelum Bandara
In the wake of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon being barred from performing duties in his office, the Election Commission yesterday turned to Senior DIG (Deputy Inspector General) D.Y. Asanka Karavita to press ahead with poll-related duties, an official said.
The Commission called for a meeting with him yesterday shortly after publication of the gazette notification announcing the Presidential Election. There are legal concerns being raised whether the election can be conducted without an IGP functioning in his office. According to Article 104, the Commission notifies the IGP of facilities and the number of police officers required upon declaration of the election.
The question remains how the Commission will communicate with the police in the absence of a performing IGP for such requirements needed in the conduct of elections.
Asked for a comment, a top official of the Commission said it would not be a problem to conduct basic duties since Mr. Karavita had been assigned to attend to orders related to the election. It is a normal practice to appoint a DIG in charge of elections each time, and this time is no exception, the official said.
“Before the declaration of the election, the Commission had a meeting with all the government agencies relevant to conduct the process. Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon assigned Mr. Karavita as the Senior DIG-Elections. We work with him now,” he said.
Besides, he expressed optimism that the issue involving the IGP would be addressed by Parliament very soon.
The Commission will accept nominations from candidates from 9.00 am to 11.00 am on August 15.