By Skandha Gunasekara
The only possible way to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) would be through an impeachment motion by Parliament.
Member of the Constitutional Council Jayantha Dhanapala informed The Sunday Morning that the Constitutional Council did not have the power to remove the IGP.
“The Constitutional Council cannot remove the IGP. From what I understand, a private member motion by an MP in Parliament may be able to remove the IGP. A lawyer would know best on the specifics,” Dhanapala said.
Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodithuwakku said that according to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, only an impeachment motion through Parliament could remove the IGP.
“Just like the Chief Justice or the Chairman of the Election Commission, only an impeachment motion can remove the IGP. It is clearly stated in the 19th Amendment,” Kodithuwakku said.
When The Sunday Morning reached out to IGP Pujith Jayasundara and queried whether he would resign, the IGP refused to comment.
When questioned as to whether he had at least reached a decision on the matter, the IGP yet again refused to comment.
The only possible way to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) would be through an impeachment motion by Parliament.
Member of the Constitutional Council Jayantha Dhanapala informed The Sunday Morning that the Constitutional Council did not have the power to remove the IGP.
“The Constitutional Council cannot remove the IGP. From what I understand, a private member motion by an MP in Parliament may be able to remove the IGP. A lawyer would know best on the specifics,” Dhanapala said.
Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodithuwakku said that according to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, only an impeachment motion through Parliament could remove the IGP.
“Just like the Chief Justice or the Chairman of the Election Commission, only an impeachment motion can remove the IGP. It is clearly stated in the 19th Amendment,” Kodithuwakku said.
When The Sunday Morning reached out to IGP Pujith Jayasundara and queried whether he would resign, the IGP refused to comment.
When questioned as to whether he had at least reached a decision on the matter, the IGP yet again refused to comment.