IGP crisis: President likely to grant another extension to CD

Colombo - (Daily Mirror) - The prolonged saga of appointing a new Inspector General of  Police (IGP) has reached a critical juncture, leaving the country’s law  enforcement in a state of uncertainty and raising concerns about the  government’s ability to address rising crime rates.   

The current IGP, Chandana Wickramaratne, has been granted  multiple extensions of service despite objections from the  Constitutional Council, which is responsible for vetting and approving  high-level appointments.   
Wickramaratne’s term as the IGP ended on June 26 this year  after a couple of extensions. Then the President granted him three  months extension twice and twice 3-week extension.  Sources said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely  to grant C.D. Wickramaratne another service extension, the fifth  extension, despite the criticisms and objections.    

These extensions have been met with criticism from various  quarters, including the opposition, legal experts, and civil society  groups, who view them as a disregard for constitutional norms and a  violation of the public’s right to a competent and accountable police  force.   

Meanwhile, crime rates in Sri Lanka have been on the rise,  with incidents of shootings, robbery, assault, and drug-related offences  increasing in recent months. This surge in crime has heightened public  anxiety and raised questions about the effectiveness of the police force  under its current leadership.   

The President’s failure to appoint a new IGP amidst these  pressing concerns has been met with widespread dismay. Many believe that  the prolonged delay in selecting a suitable candidate is indicative of a  lack of political will and a failure to prioritise public safety.   

The opposition claimed that the lack of a permanent IGP  could demoralise the police force, leading to a decline in performance  and a decrease in public trust.   

The public’s confidence in the police force is already at a  low, and the failure to appoint a new IGP could further erode this  trust. The IGP crisis could contribute to political instability and  undermine the government’s credibility.   
The government must prioritise the appointment of a  competent and respected police chief to restore public confidence,  address rising crime rates, and uphold the rule of law.     

• Meanwhile, crime rates in Sri Lanka have been on the rise,  with incidents of shootings, robbery, assault, and drug-related offences  increasing in recent months
• The public’s confidence in the police force is already at a  low, and the failure to appoint a new IGP could further erode this  trust