The Opposition condemned the government’s move to shift control of police transfers from the independent National Police Commission to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), noting that the Commission risks becoming a government puppet.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa expressed serious concerns, describing it as a dangerous centralisation of power.
“The transfers of police have been transferred today to one side,” he said, calling for the preservation of the Police Commission’s independence.
Several Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs also raised concerns over recent transfers within the police force.
SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara highlighted that 30 Officers in Charge (OICs) had been moved without clear justification, while senior Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) had also been shifted without due process.
“The National Police Commission has the power to decide on police transfers. What is this Government doing today?” Jayasekara questioned.
SJB MP Sujeewa Senasinghe added that a recent government gazette notification had formalised the transfer of the Police Commission’s powers to the IGP, intensifying fears over political interference in police affairs.
Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne said the issue would be referred to the Constitutional Council.
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