The President’s Secretary has responded to the National Election Commission’s request to appoint an Inspector General of Police (IGP) or Acting IGP to ensure the smooth conducting of Presidential Elections.
Addressing the media, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L.Rathnayake said the National Election Commission does not have the power to appoint an IGP.
He said, therefore, a request for the appointment of an IGP or Acting IGP was put forward yesterday and the President’s Secretary had also responded by last evening.
Rathnayake revealed that under the directive of the President, the President’s Secretary has informed the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security to take the necessary measures to provide the required Police personnel to conduct the Presidential Election.
The Election Commission Chairman said, therefore, they expect to convene a meeting today with the Public Security Ministry Secretary and the Police Officer in charge of election activities to hold a discussion in this regard.
The National Election Commission intervened in the matter of appointing an IGP after concerns were raised that the Presidential polls, scheduled for September 21, may face obstacles over the deployment of Police personnel for the polls.
Concerns were raised after the Supreme Court last week issued an order restraining Deshabandu Tennakoon from exercising the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the office of IGP.
Earlier, commenting on the concerns, the Election Commission Chairperson assured that the situation regarding the post of IGP does not hinder the activities related to the Presidential Election.
He further emphasized that while the Police Department may face some internal challenges due to the problematic situation which has arisen, the Presidential Election will proceed as planned. (Newswire)