News

CD gets another extension as IGP

Published

7 months ago

October 14, 2023

editor

With the tussle over appointing a new IGP escalating, C.D. Wickramaratne has been given a three-week extension as the IGP by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The extension has been granted as his three-month extension expired on October 09.

Wickramaratne’s term as the IGP ended on June 26 this year after a couple of extensions.

The Sri Lanka Police, responsible for maintaining public law and order and preventing crime and terrorism, has been without an Inspector General of Police (IGP) for four months, while the country faces a rising crime rate that includes shootings and killings in broad daylight.

The decision to grant a three-week extension to the IGP in Sri Lanka has raised concerns among internal sources within the police department. The short duration of this extension has sparked worries about potential negative impacts on the overall functioning of the department.

One of the main concerns is the uncertainty and lack of continuity in leadership that may arise from such a short extension. This could potentially affect the operational efficiency and decision-making processes within the department, leading to potential disruptions in law enforcement efforts.

The absence of a formally appointed IGP also has the potential to create disruptions within the police department. The IGP plays a crucial role in defining the direction, policies, and strategies for law enforcement, while also maintaining overall stability and security. Without a permanent IGP, there is a risk of a leadership vacuum that could hinder the activities of the police department.

In light of these concerns, several senior officers have reportedly urged the President to expedite the appointment of a strong and capable IGP. They emphasize the importance of having a resolute leader who can effectively combat organized crime and address issues related to the underworld. These calls highlight the pressing need for strong leadership within the police department to confront and mitigate the challenges posed by criminal elements.

It remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed and whether a permanent appointment for the IGP will be made in a timely manner to ensure stability and effectiveness within the Sri Lankan police department.

(dailymirror.lk)

News

Senior diplomat to oversee Sri Lankan embassy in Russia

Published

10 hours ago

May 19, 2024

nipuni

It is reported that the government has planned to send a senior officer of the foreign service to the Sri Lankan embassy in Russia until a new ambassador is appointed due to the lack of an ambassador.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Taraka Balasuriya has told the media that the absence of an ambassador is just a gap in the work procedure, and based on the current situation in Russia, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be directed to supervise its affairs.

He emphasized that a retired foreign service senior is being sent and the lack of an ambassador is not a major problem.

The Minister further stated that there is already a senior Foreign Service officer there, and given the urgent need, a very senior Foreign Service officer is being sent not because the officer currently in Russia is inadequate.

Mr. Balasuriya has stressed that this is being done to strengthen the operation and that the work will be done according to the normal protocol.

However, even though an ambassador has been appointed to Russia, Mr. Balasuriya has made arrangements not to reveal who it is to the media.

The former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage, was given three extensions, and she ended her service at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow on April 29.

At present, Counsellor Ruvini K. Munidasa serves as the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy.

News

Colombo air show and CADE 2024 exhibition postponed to next year

Published

20 hours ago

May 18, 2024

editor

The Colombo Air Show and Defence Exhibition (CADE 2024), initially set to take place from May 29 to June 2 at Galle Face and Colombo Port City, has been postponed to next year, according to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The SLAF stated that the decision to reschedule the event was made in response to multiple requests from international partners, defence industry stakeholders, and foreign Air Forces. This postponement aims to enhance participation and provide a more diverse experience for spectators.

The rescheduled event will now be held from February 26 to March 2, 2025, coinciding with the 74th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

News

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrives in Sri Lanka

Published

20 hours ago

May 18, 2024

editor

The Global Peace Ambassador and Spiritual Leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon (18) for a three-day visit. He was welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman.

During his stay from May 18 to 20, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will participate in an event titled ‘Ekamuthuva: An Evening of Music, Meditation and Wisdom,’ which will be held at Taj Samudra on May 19. Renowned for his global humanitarian efforts and as a peace envoy, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also an Indian yoga guru and the founder of ‘Transcendental Meditation’.