August 12, Colombo (LNW): The Constitutional Council is set to hold a crucial meeting today (12), under the leadership of Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne. The session, scheduled for 1:30 p.m., is anticipated to address significant developments in the nation’s law enforcement leadership and police oversight.
One of the central matters on the agenda is the nomination of a new Inspector General of Police (IGP), following the recent dismissal of Deshabandu Tennakoon. His removal, enacted through a parliamentary resolution, left the top post in the police force vacant, prompting widespread speculation over who might be chosen to fill the role.
In accordance with constitutional procedure, the President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is expected to propose a candidate for the IGP position. The Constitutional Council will then deliberate on the nomination, with indications suggesting that a final decision may be reached during today’s meeting.
The appointment is seen as especially significant given ongoing public discourse about law enforcement accountability, institutional reform, and the rule of law. The selection of a new police chief is likely to shape both the direction and credibility of future policing efforts in Sri Lanka.
In a separate but related development, Renuka Ekanayake has formally stepped down from her role on the National Police Commission. Her resignation has already been submitted to the Constitutional Council, according to official sources. With her departure, the Commission now finds itself operating with two unfilled positions, raising concerns about its current capacity to effectively carry out its mandate.
