Inability to appoint new IGP tragic says G.L Peiris

Tuesday, 11 July 2023 01:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says the extension granted to C.D Wickramaratne is a distortion
Asks Constitutional Council to step in to appoint a suitable IGP
Claims tussle within Govt. on appointment could threaten SL’s national security

Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) member and MP Prof. G.L Peiris yesterday called the inability of authorities to appoint a new Inspector General of Police, simply tragic. “Is there no one suitable?” the MP asked.

Peiris called the move to extend the tenure of IGP C.D Wickramaratne instead of appointing a new IGP a distortion and said the Constitutional Council must step in to appoint a suitable IGP immediately. “The Constitutional Council has a duty to do so,” he said.

The MP drew attention to the alarming surge in diverse criminal activities, which encompassed crimes like murders, rape, and drug smuggling. The MP emphasised that countering this escalating crime wave necessitates the establishment of a highly efficient Police service.

“The tussle within the Government to appoint the next IGP could even threaten the country’s national security,” Peiris warned.

Peiris said the possibility of the current government successfully apprehending thieves is a mere dream. He went on to assert that the government has even gone as far as pilfering the very bill that was initially introduced with the intention of capturing these criminals.

Commenting on the Private Members Bill presented by MP Jayantha Ketagoda relating to Local Government Institutions, Peiris said if it is approved, the Prime Minister would wield supreme authority as the minister responsible for the subject. “This suggests a significant concentration of power in the hands of the Prime Minister,” he said.

Peiris also expressed the belief that if the proposal is implemented, local government representatives would have the ability to retain their positions for an extended duration, essentially allowing them to stay in office as long as they desired.