Senior DIGs question malicious, arbitrary, and unreasonable transfers

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two Senior DIGs in Sri Lanka have openly questioned the transfers given to them, noting that the transfers did not follow due process.

Sri Lanka's Police Chief C. D. Wickramaratne transferred seven Senior DIGs with immediate effect with the cover approval of the National Police Commission, and the approval of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security.

Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake was transferred as the Senior DIG in charge of the Central Province from the Police Field Force Headquarters.

Senior DIG in charge of the Central Province Priyantha Weerasuriya was given a transfer as the Senior DIG for the Crimes and Traffic Division. 

Senior DIG L. K. W. K. Silva who was in charge of the Crimes and Traffic Division was transferred to the Police Field Force Headquarters.

Furthermore, Senior DIG Sajeewa Medawatte was transferred as the Senior DIG in-charge of the Southern Province from Acting Senior DIG post for the North Western Province and as Senior DIG Support Services.

Senior DIG Ajith Rohana was transferred as the Senior DIG in charge of the Eastern Province from the Southern Province.

Senior DIG W. K. Jayalath who was in-charge of the Eastern Province was moved to the North Western Province.

Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku who was in-charge of the Police Medical, Welfare, and Field Force Headquarters was given a transfer as the Senior DIG for Support Services.

Senior DIG Ajith Rohana in a letter to the Chairman of the National Police Commission Chandra Fernando notes that the decision to transfer him to the Eastern Province is malicious, arbitrary, and unreasonable.

He said these malicious acts are done to harass the Senior DIGs and protect one Senior DIG.

Senior DIG Ajith Rohana requested the National Police Commission NOT to accept the unlawful transfer given to him.

At the same time, Senior DIG Ajith Rohana inform the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Viyani Gunathilake that the Ministry of Public Security has NO power to issue orders for transfers.

He noted that he is not bound to follow the transfer order.

At the same time, Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya in a letter to the Chairman of the National Police Commission noted he has been transferred without mentioning the reason.

Weerasooriya said that he notices that Senior DIGs are given transfers with immediate effect without showing cause, merely mentioning that the transfer is on exigencies of service, and cover approval of the National Police Commission.

He said that this ad-hoc system has created frustration among the victimized officers to perform their duties free and fair to the public.

Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya said he objects the transfer order and requests the NPC to no approve the malicious, unreasonable, and unjustifiable transfer order given by the Public Security Ministry and the IGP.