Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) and former Police Media Spokesman Ajith Rohana has alleged that political interference led to his abrupt removal as the police spokesperson on COVID-19-related matters during the pandemic.
Speaking in his first media interview following his retirement, Rohana said his removal was linked to his growing popularity among the public. He claimed that a political figure was behind the decision, but that strong public reaction on social media resulted in his reinstatement about a week later.
Reflecting on his 38-and-a-half-year career in the Sri Lanka Police, Rohana said he initially aspired to become a doctor and studied biological sciences at Ananda College in Colombo. After that career path did not materialise, he joined the police force in March 1988.
Rohana recalled that he became the youngest Officer-in-Charge in the history of the Sri Lanka Police when he was appointed to lead the Wanduramba Police Station at the age of 22. He later secured the highest rank in the Assistant Superintendent of Police examination.
He also recounted a near-fatal incident during the civil war. On September 30, 2000, while serving as an ASP in Batticaloa, his convoy came under an LTTE ambush near Kiran Junction. Rohana said he had changed vehicles shortly before the attack after the cassette player in his original vehicle malfunctioned. The vehicle he had vacated was subsequently targeted in the ambush.
Rohana, who served as Police Media Spokesman on five occasions, also highlighted his involvement in legal and administrative reforms within the police service. As a qualified lawyer, he contributed to legislation enabling remand prisoners to appear in court virtually, reducing the need to transport high-profile suspects under heavy security.
He also worked on amendments to the Excise Ordinance aimed at strengthening police powers in prosecuting illicit liquor cases, while drafting police circulars covering areas including traffic management and child protection.
Rohana said he has no plans to enter politics despite speculation to that effect. Instead, he plans to continue his legal career following retirement.
Having appeared in court more than 600 times during his police service, Rohana said he intends to provide legal assistance to police officers who face difficulties while legitimately carrying out their duties.
