Police role after IGP suspension: Election Commission to weigh options today

• EC indicated the possibility of consulting AG for guidance

By Kelum Bandara

In the wake of debate over the fiasco involving Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon who is now barred from functioning in his office, the Election Commission will deliberate on the matter at its meeting scheduled for today and decide on the next course of action to clear any hurdles.   

Commission’s Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake told Daily Mirror that his office should seek clarity on the deployment of police personnel in the conduct of the election in the wake of the IGP not being able to perform following the Supreme Court ruling.  

He said some argue that the latest ruling had triggered a constitutional challenge in the deployment of police.  

“There is another school of thought that we can proceed without any hurdles. No matter what, we will discuss it at the Commission’s meeting and decide what to do. We will see whether we should consult the Attorney General or not,” he said.  

However, former Election Commission’s Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said that it is advisable for the current Commission to move the Supreme Court to clear any obstacles triggered in this regard.