The ongoing conflict between the National Police Commission and Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya over the transfers of Police OICs has escalated to the Constitutional Council.
Acting IGP Weerasuriya reportedly sent a letter to the Police Commission last week, requesting that the responsibility for appointing Police OICs be handed over to him. However, the Police Commission rejected his request and forwarded the matter to the Constitutional Council.
Weerasuriya has accused the Police Commission of interfering in the internal operations of the police force. He further stated that, as a “nominal IGP,” he lacks the authority to make the necessary transfers of police officers. This public dispute between the Police Commission and the Acting IGP became widely known following these statements.
The Police Commission, on the other hand, strongly refutes the allegations, asserting that it is acting within the scope of the powers granted to it.
The National Police Commission is chaired by retired High Court Judge Lalith Ekanayake. Other members include retired Ministry Secretary Renuka Ekanayake, retired District Secretary K. Karunaharan, Attorney-at-Law Dilshan Kapila Jayasuriya, President’s Counsel A.A.M. Ilyas, and retired DIG Jayantha Jayasinghe.
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