• MP Peiris calls for direct CC intervention for permanent appointment

Opposition and civil society representatives of the Constitutional Council (CC) had initially raised concerns over approving the three-month service extension granted to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana D. Wickramaratne, but later approved it, The Daily Morning learns.

Wickramaratne, whose initial service extension expired on 26 June, was granted another three-month service extension by the President on 9 July, and the same was approved by the CC on 14 July.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, sources within the CC said that Opposition and civil society representatives of the CC had initially raised concerns over granting approval for the service extension.

"They initially raised concerns over the matter. However, given the temporary nature of this extension which is stated in the relevant letter sent by President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake, they eventually approved it” the source explained.

Wickramaratne was appointed as the acting IGP in April, 2019, and was confirmed in the position on 25 November 2020. He was scheduled to retire in March, 2023, and was granted a three-month service extension by the President, which ended on 26 June. The Police Department functioned without the presence of an IGP for about two weeks, until Wickramaratne was again granted another three-month service extension by the President on 09 July.

Meanwhile, opposition MP Prof. G.L. Peiris recently said that the CC should make a direct intervention to make a permanent appointment for the post of IGP. MP Peiris claimed that the continuous extension of service of Wickramaratne tantamount to an improper use of Executive power in a way that is harmful to the public.

At a time when the crimes including shootings, use of drugs among schoolchildren, and incidents of child abuse are on the rise, Peiris said, that an honest, efficient and strong Police service with a strong leadership is needed at present more than ever in the past.