Absence of IGP: National Police Commission seeks AG’s advice

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

In the absence of both the Inspector General of Police and the Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of Administration at Sri Lanka Police, the National Police Commission has sought the Attorney General’s advice regarding a crucial appointment.   

Chairman of the National Police Commission Lalith Ekanayake told the Daily Mirror that the Commission can only make an appointment to the Police based on the recommendations of the IGP. Since the IGP’s absence, the National Police Commission is also sitting on the fence.   

On July 24, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court issued an interim order restraining police chief Deshabandu Tennakoon from functioning as the Inspector General of Police.   

In addition, Senior Deputy Inspector General Nilantha Jayawardena, who was second in command and responsible for administration, was sent on compulsory leave on July 18 pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry related to the Easter Sunday attacks.  The Police Commission Chairman said that after placing Nilantha Jayawardena on compulsory leave, they requested the IGP to immediately send a recommendation for the appointment of a new Senior DIG for Administration. However, the IGP has yet to provide this recommendation.  

“According to the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, the Commission can only make appointments to the Sri Lanka Police based on the recommendations of the IGP. 

With Tennakoon barred from functioning as the IGP and given the current situation with the absence of the IGP and Senior DIG Administration, we have sought advice from the Attorney General’s Department on whether the National Police Commission has the authority to appoint a Senior DIG (Administration) without the IGP’s recommendation,” the Chairman said.   

He said the Commission cannot afford to remain idle, as they are accountable to Parliament and the public.  In the meantime, it is reported that some police operations have come to a standstill due to the lack of an IGP. This includes delays in procurement, maintenance, coordination with the National Police Commission and other administrative tasks. The absence of an IGP has also created significant challenges in managing various police activities, including deploying police teams across provinces for special duties, handling transfer requests from junior officers, approving leave for DIGs and senior DIGs and issuing disciplinary orders.   

Earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the issue regarding the appointment of the IGP would be resolved within a week through consultations with the Speaker and the Chief Justice.