A new police unit for election-related affairs has been established at the Police Headquarters, with an Officer-In-Charge (OIC) appointed to lead it.
Additionally, Senior Deputy Inspector of Police (SDIG) Asanga Karavita, along with another Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), have been assigned to oversee duties related to the upcoming Presidential Election. DIG P. Liyanage and SSP K.D.G.L.A Dharmasena will be responsible for these duties.
On Wednesday (24), the Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing Deshabandu Tennakoon from performing duties and functioning as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This order followed the Court’s decision to proceed with nine petitions, including one by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, challenging Tennakoon’s appointment as IGP.
The Supreme Court also directed the President to name a suitable person for the IGP position during the enforcement of the interim order against Tennakoon.
Despite these issues, the Commissioner General of Elections has stated that the situation will not affect the holding of elections, as SDIG Asanga Karavita has been assigned to oversee election-related duties.
