IGP receives third service extension

In a surprising development that marks a first in Sri Lanka’s Police history, President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted yet another extension of tenure to the current Police Inspector General Chandana Wickramaratne yesterday.

The IGP 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. 

However, it is reported he 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, 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 East 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 any of them to the position. 

Nevertheless, certain front runners have also received patronage from other religious clergy calling for their appointment as IGP while the use of social media to boost their image through video content was also witnessed in the past weeks.

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.