Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena oversees duties President yet to name new IGP as C.D. Wickramaratne retires

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

The position of Sri Lanka’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) remains vacant, with Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena, in-charge of Administration, overseeing the duties of the IGP until an official appointment is made, police said.  

IGP C.D Wickramaratne retired on Saturday after several service extensions. C.D Wickremaratne was appointed IGP in 2019. He was granted several service extensions, despite objections from the Constitutional Council. His retirement comes at a time when Sri Lanka is facing a surge in crime rates.  

Meanwhile, Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa responding to reports that Western Province Senior DIG Dheshabandu Thennakoon had been appointed to the position, said that no such appointment was made as of now.  

The President’s secretriat will make an announcement regarding the appointment of a new IGP in due course,” Thalduwa added.  
In the meantime, Senior DIGs in charge of all the provinces will oversee their respective duties, he said.  

The delay in appointing a new IGP has been criticized by various quarters, including the opposition, legal experts, and civil society groups. They argue that the delay is undermining public confidence in the police and hindering the government’s efforts to address rising crime.  

The President is expected to appoint a new IGP in the coming days. However, there is no indication of who the new IGP will be.  

According to the current seniority list, Senior DIGs Nilantha Jayawardena, L.S. Pathinayake, Deshabandu Thennakoon, and Ajith Rohana are among the contenders for the topmost position.  

The appointment of a new IGP is a critical decision that will have a significant impact on the Sri Lankan police force and the country’s security situation. It is important that the President appoints a competent and respected individual who can restore public confidence and lead the police force in tackling the country’s crime challenges.  

According to the current seniority list, Senior DIGs Nilantha Jayawardena, L.S. Pathinayake, Deshabandu Thennakoon, and Ajith Rohana are among the contenders for the topmost position.  The appointment of a new IGP is a critical decision that will have a significant impact on the Sri Lankan police force and the country’s security situation. It is important that the President appoints a competent and respected individual who can restore public confidence and lead the police force in tackling the country’s crime challenges.