News

IGP post not vacant, President cannot appoint acting IGP – PM

Published

9 months ago

July 26, 2024

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Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has clarified that the President has no legal provisions at this moment to appoint an Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Delivering a special statement in Parliament, the Prime Minister also emphasized that the position of the IGP is not vacated presently.

The Supreme Court recently issued an interim injunction preventing Deshabandu Tennakoon from carrying out duties as the IGP until further notice, with the case scheduled to reconvene on November 11.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this timeline coincides with the upcoming presidential election, underscoring that a new President is expected to take office by November 11.

Citing constitutional provisions, Dinesh Gunawardena noted that the appointment of an Acting IGP requires the President’s recommendation.

However, with the President currently a presidential candidate, the process has encountered unprecedented challenges.

“In accordance with our constitutional framework, the responsibility lies with the President to appoint an Acting IGP,” said Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during the parliamentary session.

Addressing concerns regarding the vacancy of the IGP position, the Prime Minister clarified that the former IGP retains the position until further legal clarity is achieved.

“The President cannot appoint an Acting IGP while the position is not vacant. The former IGP still holds the position.” he said.

News

LG polls : postal voting dates revised

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2025

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The Elections Commission today (April 17) announced that the dates for postal voting of the upcoming Local Government elections, have been revised.

Making a special statement, Chairman of the Elections Commission R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that postal voting will take place on April 24, 25, 28 and 29.

Postal voting was earlier scheduled for April 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29.

Mr. Rathnayake also said that poll cards for all 339 local bodies were handed over to the Postal Department yesterday (April 16) distribution has already commenced.

Noting that distribution of poll cards will take place until April 29, he said that the public are requested to inquire from the relevant post office if they do not receive poll cards by then.

News

NTC receives 187 complaints on New Year bus services

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has received 187 complaints over bus services during the recent New Year period.

NTC Director General Nayomi Jayawardena says that 63 of these complaints, made through the 1955 hotline, were related to bus operators not charging the approved fares.

She added that investigations into these complaints would be conducted once the New Year festivities conclude.

News

18 candidates arrested for flouting election laws

Published

4 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

18 candidates contesting the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election have been arrested over election-related complaints during the period from March 03 – April 16.

According to a statement issued by the Police Media Division, 62 political party supporters and 14 vehicles have been taken into police custody during this period.

Meanwhile, 38 criminal complaints related to the LG Election and 138 complaints of election law violations have also been reported.