The Hon. Ananda Wijepala

¶ 01 Hon. Members, I am referring to some Members here—if you are not seated, please take your seats. From the 19th through the 21st Amendments, some acted without principle: they raised hands both to grant and to remove powers from Independent Commissions. The people know how this House behaved regarding the Independent Commissions. Presiding Member, we are not abolishing or reclaiming Commission powers. The proposal aligns with constitutional provisions. The NPC has the power; the President or Minister does not acquire it by Gazette.

¶ 02 On your proposal: decisions on granting powers rest with the NPC, as per the Constitution. There is nothing illegal. Numerous precedents exist: 25.11.2011 PSC Gazette; 06.05.2016 Gazette No. 1965/37; 06.02.2020 Gazette No. 2161/32. I table the Special Gazettes No. 1733/52 and 2161/32.

¶ 03 The current debate is about OIC transfers, not appointments. OIC posts are filled from SI, IP, or CI, and transfers are based on rank structure and performance. Your motion mentions “appointing OICs,” but what has been done are transfers. There are many precedents and Gazettes delegating transfer powers. This is lawful and, if powers are delegated, the IGP must apply Commission-set criteria. During your time, when 184 OICs were appointed, 182 were said to be on organizers’ recommendations—C.D. Wickramaratne said so. Do not mislead this House. The President has not demanded the NPC grant powers; the Constitution already allows the NPC to delegate based on its judgment. Delegation does not allow arbitrary use—criteria exist, including performance reports by supervising officers, pending charge sheets, and FR cases. Any OIC can appeal transfer decisions to the NPC. This is routine and constitutional and is a matter for the NPC, not the Ministry.

¶ 04 We will not politicize the Police. Previously, large parts of the Department were politicized—184 OICs appointed with 182 on political say-so. We have ended that. The Police now perform duties actively and fairly, enforcing the law equally. We will not allow politicization. We stood for Independent Commissions and institutional independence, and we will make institutions efficient with resources, promotions, and human capital. Nearly 400 officers have been interdicted this year where necessary. We are ensuring the rule of law. Thank you.