An IGP not seeing retirement

• Five senior Deputy Inspector Generals of Police waiting 
• Tug-of-war seems to be delaying next appointment
• President should refer his nominees to the CC for approval
• There is another legal ambiguity regarding the extension of the service of an IGP already in office
• IGP C.D. Wickramaratne was given yet another extension for the fourth time

By  Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne was given yet another extension for the fourth time by President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday, signaling that there is no agreement on the next senior most to be chosen for the permanent appointment.   

This has happened despite five senior Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) waiting – Deshabandu Tennakoon, Nilantha Jayawardane, Priyantha Weerasuriya, Lalith Pathinayake and Ajith Rohana- remaining in service with more years to spare for retirement.  

Mr. Tennakoon is lobbying heavily for the post with the backing of Public Security Minister Tiran Alles. However, the President is not in favour of his appointment. The tug-of-war in this regard seems to be delaying the next appointment.   

Also, the President has second thoughts on the selection of Mr. Jayawardane for the post because his name is implicated in a court case related to the Easter Sunday attacks.   

According to the Constitution, the President should refer his nominees to the Constitutional Council for approval. Once approval is given, he can proceed with the appointment. Unless the president agrees with the nominee approved by the Constitutional Council (CC) from among the names sent, he can hold back the appointment, leading to a stalemate.   

Also, there is another legal ambiguity regarding the extension of the service of an IGP already in office. A member of the CC who wished to remain anonymous said though the President is required to seek approval of the CC for appointment, there is no such requirement stipulated for the extension of service of anyone serving as IGP.   

“There is a lack of legal clarity in this regard. If the matter is brought before the judiciary, it can be addressed,” he said.