Execute Supreme Court judgement and appoint Acting IGP: Opposition tells government

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Parliament, July 25 (Daily Mirror)- An Acting IGP must be appointed without killing time while upholding the Supreme Court verdict on the IGP, Opposition MPs argued in Parliament today.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the Cabinet has no powers to question the judgement of the Supreme Court and that it should be implemented.

Parliamentarian Prof. G.L. Pieris said the Executive has powers to appoint an acting IGP and that approval of the  Constitutional Council is not required for this.

Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara said the President appointed the Acting Attorney General without the approval of the Constitutional Council and questioned why an Acting IGP could not be appointed in similar manner.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said if an Acting IGP is not appointed soon as per the Supreme Court verdict, it will be a contempt of court.

Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha, who responded said the verdict of the Supreme Court can be discussed and time can be taken to express the opinion on it.

The Minister said the Constitutional Council headed by the Speaker will meet and take a decision on the next course of action.