IGP receives record-breaking fourth service extension

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday granted a fourth service extension to the current Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne setting a record for the highest number of such moves.

The most recent service extension is for a duration of three weeks. Wickramaratne who was due to retire on 25 March this year was previously granted service extensions on 26 March, 26 June and 13 October respectively. 

The last service extension was opposed by the Constitutional Council and the Government’s failure to appoint a new IGP to replace Wickramaratne has drawn criticism from opposition parties and others since. 

Wickramaratne has been forced to remain in service, due to the inability of relevant parties to find a suitable candidate for the post. For months, rumours have been circulating extensively regarding the intense competition and struggle for the post in question. 

According to sources from Police Headquarters, Senior DIG Administration Nilantha Jayawardena and Senior DIG Western Province Deshabandu Tennekoon remain the top contenders for the coveted position.

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

Jayawardena and Tennekoon are among the three senior-most police officers in the Sri Lanka Police along with Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake.

Wickramaratne will now remain in the post for three weeks until a successor is named. He first commenced his duties as the 35th Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka on 27 November 2020.