Opposition calls for proposal to remove IGP

Saturday, 11 May 2019 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Govt. says Opposition should propose appointing Parliamentary Committee to investigate IGP
Insists no impediment from 19th A to remove IGP
Dinesh recommends extending Emergency Regulations to boost public confidence

The Opposition was called on by Government lawmakers yesterday to propose appointing a Parliamentary Committee to investigate allegations against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara now on compulsory on the instructions of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Rejecting any Constitutional barriers preventing the IGP’s removal if found guilty by a Parliamentary Committee, Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said: “The removal of the IGP is not in the 19th Amendment. For that purpose, the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act is there.

According to the provisions in this Act the IGP can only be removed from his post by moving a motion in this House. If found guilty of the charges investigated by the Parliamentary Committee he can be removed.”

Given that situation Kiriella called for the Opposition to propose a committee to investigate whether the IGP was guilty of neglecting his duty.

“So, there is no legal impediment from the 19th Amendment to remove the IGP. The Opposition could propose to appoint a Committee,” said Minister Kiriella.

Kiriella’s response came after United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Dinesh Gunawardena called for a proposal to remove the IGP and also suggested that Emergency Regulations should be extended until complete security was restored. Gunawardena pointed out that despite repeated assurances by the Government, the public remained concerned about national security.

“We need to hold the Vesak festival. We also need to extend the State of Emergency. Why haven’t you listed the extension of the State of Emergency? We do support this extension to bring back the country to normalcy. All conspirators need to be brought to book,” he said.

According to the provisions of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act No. 5 of 2002 the Attorney General and the IGP can only be removed from office on the grounds of being adjudged an insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction, being unfit to continue in office by reason of ill health or physical or mental infirmity, being convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude, treason or bribery, being found guilty of misconduct or corruption, being found guilty of gross abuse of power of his office, being found guilty of gross neglect of duty, being found guilty of gross partiality in office, or ceasing to be a citizen of Sri Lanka. (AH)