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.
The 9th China-South Asia Expo, which opened on June 19 in Kunming, China, will conclude tomorrow (June 24).
This year’s event held under the theme “Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development, has attracted over 1,400 companies from 54 countries and regions, with Sri Lanka as the Guest of Honour country and Thailand as the special partner nation.
China-Sri Lanka bilateral trade reached a record high of USD 5.36 billion in 2024, representing a 13.4% year-on-year increase. This makes Sri Lanka China’s fastest-growing trade partner in South Asia.
The Sri Lankan pavilion was officially declared open by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Trade and Commerce – Wasantha Samarasinghe and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment – Arun Hemachandra, who jointly led the country’s high-level delegation to the prestigious regional event.
CGTN’s Ms. Li Qiuyuan spoke with Mr. Kusal Perera, a political analyst and writer for ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’, about his expectations for the expo.
Speaking, Mr. Perera said that Sri Lanka needs to see how the ‘export basket’ can be diversified from the traditional export goods such as tea, in order to make the most of this platform to boost bilateral trade and engagement with China.
When asked which emerging areas such as energy transformation, digital economy and low carbon development seem to be the most promising for the island nation, Mr. Perera highlighted the importance of a combination of energy, technology and environment. “But in the process, we also have to have our national economy planned to accommodate all that,” he emphasised, adding that it will be a long process for Sri Lanka.
He further commented : “I see China opening up instead of getting into protectionism like Europe. It’s basically the second largest economy in the world… still expanding… still improving… still developing…”
China’s economic openness for all South Asian countries is a huge opportunity in a global economy that now retreats with regulated and protected markets. Protectionism would not be a catalyst for economic growth. We in South Asia have to be open too. China is already open and its economy is growing on global trade. It’s their openness that has taken them everywhere” he adds.
Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs – Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala has informed Parliament that a renewed investigation is underway into a fraudulent bank account allegedly maintained by Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
He stated that a fake account titled ‘Siriliya Saviya’ had been opened in her name and that the mandate form related to the ‘Siriliya’ Organization’s bank accounts had been fraudulently removed from the bank.
The Minister further revealed :
The account, now suspended, was opened on November 14, 2006, at the People’s Bank, Suduwella Branch, Darley Road, Colombo 10, under account number 143/1/001/4/6235069. Shiranthi Rajapaksa is listed as the chairperson of the account, with Kalyani Dissanayake as secretary and Nirosha Jeevani as treasurer.
The account currently holds a balance of Rs.43 million. Records indicate that Rs. 82,900,088 had been deposited on 88 occasions, while Rs.39,015,656 had been withdrawn on 129 occasions. Additionally, a fixed deposit of Rs.10 million had been opened under the name ‘Siriliya’.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) has resumed investigations into the matter.
Deputy Minister also mentioned several other questionable financial transactions involving the Rajapaksa family, such as ;
Rs.152 million allegedly obtained by CSN (Carlton Sports Network) from the Treasury.
Rs.35 million obtained by Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the Urban Development Authority to build a memorial for his parents.
Rs.208 million used by Basil Rajapaksa to purchase a house in Malwana.
