Premadasa asserted that Sri Lanka is not a police state and emphasized the need for proper checks and balances in a democratic system. He urged the government not to turn the Police Commission into a mere tool of political control and called for immediate action to rectify the situation.
SJB MP Sujeewa Senasinghe also raised concerns, claiming that a gazette notification had been issued officially transferring the Commission’s powers to the IGP.
Responding to the remarks, Chief Government Whip and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed the Opposition’s allegations, stating that the issue was being exaggerated. He explained that all transfers were carried out with the Police Commission’s consent.
The Minister further noted that if the Commission voluntarily delegated certain powers to the IGP, it would still provide a channel for police officers to appeal transfer decisions — an option they lacked previously.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne said that the matter would be referred to the Constitutional Council for further review.
