The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) emphasized yesterday that individuals appointed to the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) should not have a record of violating Fundamental Rights, facing criminal cases, or being implicated in unlawful activities.
Furthermore, the BASL stressed the importance of transparent procedures in the appointment of the IGP to instill public confidence in the process. The association highlighted that the Constitutional Council, as outlined in Article 41E (6) of the Constitution, should determine the procedures for recommendations or approvals for appointments under Article 41B or 41C before confirming the IGP's appointment.
Citing a recent Supreme Court judgment that ordered the Acting IGP and three other police officers to personally compensate a petitioner for violating fundamental rights, the BASL urged against appointing any officer with a history of such violations or facing criminal allegations to the position of IGP.
The BASL asserted that the next permanent IGP should be an exemplary officer within the police force, with a spotless record and the ability to restore public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police. The statement was issued by BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne and Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi.
