Police Commission seeks AG's advice on crucial appointment

With both the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for Administration absent, the National Police Commission has requested advice from the Attorney General regarding a crucial appointment.

Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman of the National Police Commission, explained that appointments within the Sri Lanka Police can only be made based on the IGP’s recommendations. However, with the current absence of the IGP, the Commission is in a holding pattern.

On July 24, the Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing Deshabandu Tennakoon from serving as the IGP. Additionally, on July 18, Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena was placed on compulsory leave pending a disciplinary inquiry related to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Following Jayawardena's leave, the Commission requested the IGP to promptly recommend a new Senior DIG for Administration. However, the IGP has yet to provide this recommendation.

Under the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, the Commission can only proceed with appointments based on IGP recommendations. Given the current absence of both the IGP and the Senior DIG for Administration, the Commission is seeking the Attorney General’s advice on whether they can appoint a new Senior DIG without the IGP’s input.

Ekanayake emphasized that the Commission cannot remain inactive, as they are accountable to both Parliament and the public.

In the meantime, the lack of an IGP has caused disruptions in police operations, including delays in procurement, maintenance, coordination with the National Police Commission, and other administrative tasks. The absence of an IGP has also led to challenges in managing police activities such as deploying teams for special duties, handling transfer requests, approving leave for senior officers, and issuing disciplinary orders.