Constitutional Council refuses to approve third extension for IGP

Wednesday, 18 October 2023 02:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Maneshka Borham

The Constitutional Council has declined to grant a third service extension to IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, citing the Government’s policy not to extend the service of State sector employees over the age of 60, sources said.

The Constitutional Council had met in Parliament under the Chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday afternoon. Also in attendance were Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Member of Parliament Sagara Kariyawasam, and civil representatives. President’s representative to the Council, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was absent from the meeting as he is currently visiting India.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted yet another extension of tenure to Wickramaratne last week. He was previously granted a service extension until 9 October, a decision made by the President on 26 June, which followed the expiration of his first service extension. Wickramaratne was due to retire on 25 March this year. Currently, both the President and Subject Minister Tiran Alles, are overseas. A final decision regarding the position of the Inspector General of Police will be made upon their return, according to sources in the President’s Office. According to sources from Police Headquarters, Senior DIG Administration Nilantha Jayawardena, Senior DIG Western Province Deshabandu Tennekoon, and Senior DIG Central Province Lalith Pathinayake remain the top contenders for the coveted position.

However, allegations of dereliction of duty over the Easter Sunday attack have been levelled against all three while various parties including the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka have urged the President to refrain from appointing either of them to the position.