Sri Lanka Police service operates without a Chief and the crime rate continues to rise

Sri Lanka Police has been functioning without an Inspector General of Police (IGP) since June 26, 2023.

The post of Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Sri Lanka has remained vacant when IGP C.D. Wickramaratne who held the office as the 35th IGP, retired on June 26, 2023.

He also completed a three-month extension granted by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe with the approval of the Constitution Council.

Since January, 2023, there have been more than 40 shooting incidents and more than 25 individuals who have been killed in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Police is in charge of maintaining public law and order, and preventing crime and terrorism.

It was reported that a week-long delay in naming the new IGP has already caused administrative issues including issuing directives related to crime and narcotic operations.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is yet to recommend a suitable name to the Constitutional Council to appoint the 36th IGP of Sri Lanka Police as few names of Senior DIGs already in line for the IGP post are allegedly facing certain accusations.

Sources said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to submit three names to the Constitutional Council to select the next IGP amidst a growing tussle.

According to the current seniority list, Senior DIG (Administration) Nilantha Jayawardena, Senior DIG (North Western Province) L.S. Pathinayake, Senior DIG (Western Province) Deshabandu Tennakoon, Senior DIG (Crime) Priyantha Weerasuriya and Senior DIG (Sabaragamuwa) P.P.S.M. Dharmaratne are among the names that are contesting for the topmost position.

Sources said the name of Senior DIG Ajith Rohana is also among the next in line for the IGP post.