The Hon. D.V. Chanaka

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I second the Motion by Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe to uphold NPC independence. The 19th Amendment empowered NPC over appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary control, and dismissal (other than the IGP), in consultation with the IGP. Those powers must remain with NPC.

¶ 02 Before Minister Ananda Wijepala speaks, I request this: the Special Task Force (STF) officers have long sought parity in promotions. Across the police, promotions—from PC to Sergeant, Sergeant to SI, SI to IP, up to CI—were granted by seniority; but STF officers have not received corresponding promotions despite their critical roles—from Presidential security to anti-narcotics and anti-underworld operations. Please intervene with NPC to ensure fair promotions for STF as well.

¶ 03 Do not remove NPC powers. Already there are allegations about politicized transfers. A case was cited where an OIC who recorded a statement about a district matter was suddenly transferred. Yesterday in Parliament it was also said that when a former Navy Commander was arrested, an OIC was threatened that unless he answered “correctly” against him, he would be transferred. I have already tabled a Court of Appeal writ related to such interference.

¶ 04 If NPC’s powers are shifted directly to the IGP, abuses will worsen—“say this, or be jailed.” Do not turn the police into an arm to persecute government opponents. Hon. Prime Minister, you have stood for good governance and commissions; many tried to remove you, but failed. We ask you and the government: do not strip NPC powers; empower it further so OICs, Inspectors, ASPs, SPs, DIGs can act independently.

¶ 05 Thank you.