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NPC & Actg. IGP clash over police OIC transfers

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The National Police Commission (NPC) and the Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya have locked horns over the transfer of Officers in Charge (OIC) of police stations with the dispute reaching the Constitutional Council (CC).

Acting IGP Weerasoorirya had written to the NPC this week requesting that he be delegated the responsibility of making the OIC appointments but the NPC had replied rejecting the request and copied the letter to the CC.

The dispute between the NPC and the Acting IGP spilled over the public arena yesterday after IGP Weerasooriya accused the NPC of interfering with the internal work of the Police Department and that without the necessary powers to do transfers, he was only an IGP in name.

“The Police Department sought the opinion of the Attorney General and we were informed that these are not ‘appointments’; but are ‘transfers’ and hence can be undertaken by the IGP,” he said at a press briefing yesterday.

A senior source at the NPC vehemently denied the Acting IGP’s charge and said that the Commission is acting within the power granted to it by the Constitution and could not deviate from the laid out procedure when approving OIC appointments.

“There is a set procedure to be followed when approving appointment of OICs as paid down by the Public Service Commission (PSC). We have to follow thata procedure,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

 So far of the 197 names that were recommended by the Acting IGP for OIC appointments , the NPC has approved around 140 names while a few were withheld due to them lacking the necessary qualifications to hold such a position,  the Sunday Times learns.

The NPC source said that failure to adhere to the laid out procedure would result in such appointments being challenged in court as has happened several times. “It is not a matter of us wanting to hold onto these powers but we are acting within the law. If such powers are to be delegated to the IGP, we have to consult the AG and get his opinion,” the source said.

Under the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, the NPC has wide powers over the appointment, promotion, transfers, disciplinary control, and dismissal of police officers other than the IGP. Vested with powers to act as an independent oversight body for the police, its main objective is the depoliticisation of the Police Department.

The NPC is chaired by retired High Court Judge Lalith Ekanayake. Other members of the Commission are retired Ministry Secretary Renuka Ekanayake, retired District Secretary K. Karunaharan, Attorney-at-Law Dilshan Kapila Jayasuriya, President’s Counsel A.A.M. Iliyas and retired Deputy Inspector General Jayantha Jayasinghe.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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PCB postpones PSL

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X.

A statement from Pakistan Cricket Board says : 

The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India.

The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.

The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation.

The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.

We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.

Yesterday, it was also announced that the IPL will also be suspended for a week.

Related News :

IPL suspended for a week over safety concerns

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Minister Nalinda elected President of Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association

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Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, the Department of Communications of Parliament said.

The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on May 08, 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

At the meeting, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association, the statement added.

During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue, according to the statement.

The Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. 

He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month, it added.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor.

In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India, it said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association he Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.

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Vesak week commences tomorrow

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The National Vesak Week will commence tomorrow (May 09), under this year’s theme of “Let’s associate with noble people with good qualities.”

According to the secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until May 16.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services during the Vesak week and the long weekend.

Meanhwile, the Ministry of Public Administration has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses, meat vendors, casinos, and clubs nationwide from May 12 – 14 May for the state Vesak Festival. 

A circular issued on April 29 instructs all relevant businesses to comply during the period.

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