EC pins hope on Senior DIG–Elections in absence of performing IGP

• Keeps fingers crossed that IGP matter will be sorted out  
• Presidential Polls on September 21, nominations on August 15   
• According to Article 104, the Commission notifies the IGP of facilities and  the number of police officers required

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.