August 01, Colombo (LNW): The President’s Secretary has instructed the Public Security Ministry, following the President’s directive, to ensure adequate police personnel are available for the forthcoming Presidential Election.
This follows a written request from the Election Commission on July 30, seeking the appointment of an Inspector General of Police (IGP) or Acting IGP for the election.
Election Commission Chairman, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, confirmed that a meeting was held on July 31 with the Public Security Ministry Secretary and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) to discuss police duties for the election.
Rathnayake noted that the National Election Commission lacks the authority to nominate an IGP.
Concerns about the election, scheduled for September 21, arose after a Supreme Court order restrained Deshabandu Tennakoon from acting as IGP.
Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka has assured the Election Commission that all necessary security measures will be in place.
This assurance came after discussions with the Election Commission and Senior DIG Asanka Karawita.
