By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday observed that no officer who has violated Fundamental Rights or criminal cases against him or any allegations of involvement in unlawful activity should be appointed to the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).  

The BASL further observed that the appointment of the IGP should be done in a transparent manner so as to establish public confidence in the appointment process.  

The BASL is also of the view that prior to the approval of the appointment of the IGP that the procedures to be followed in regard to recommendations or approvals for appointments under Article 41B or 41C should be determined by the Constitutional Council as provided for in Article 41E (6) of the Constitution.  

While referring the outcome of the recent Supreme Court judgement which ordered Acting IGP and three other police officers to pay compensation out of their personal funds to a petitioner for violating his fundamental rights, the BASL urged that no officer who has violated Fundamental Rights or criminal cases against him or any allegations of involvement in unlawful activity be appointed to the office of the IGP.