The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, 20 Members stood to bring this urgent matter; by the time we adjourned, events that were supposed to happen yesterday were stopped because of this. The Police Commission was being pressured to grant powers; it did not happen—that is the crux.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, even the Government side is sparse—about 15 present. You often say you have 159 Members; where are they now?

¶ 03 Do not keep repeating about the 17th, 19th, 18th, 19th, 20th Amendments. Those who did wrong then are why the people gave you power. If you come to do the same, there was no need for a new Government.

¶ 04 What has been happening? From 24.02.2025, newspapers reported a “cold war” between the NPC and the Acting IGP over OIC transfers, and the Acting IGP’s letters being rejected. On 07.04.2025 at Katukurunda STF camp, the President said the NPC was making certain appointments and implied he too could take action—this is pressure. Subsequently, on 04.03.2025, the NPC issued a media release responding to the Acting IGP.

¶ 05 I table the NPC media release. It states: - By Gazette No. 2341/51 of 20.07.2023 under Article 155G, certain powers regarding officers up to Chief Inspector (excluding OICs/Chief Station Inspectors) were delegated to the IGP and senior officers. - For Chief Station Inspectors/OICs and above (ASP, SSP, DIG, SDIG), powers under Article 155G(1)(a) were retained by the NPC.

¶ 06 They emphasize NPC decisions are made upon IGP’s requests/recommendations assessed for fairness, reasonableness, service needs, practicality, and impacts, after analysis and discussion. They also note instances where requests—such as mass transfers of 210 OICs proposed on 09.07.2024—were not approved.

¶ 07 Now, 34 officers have been transferred without proper basis. The letters cite “Work Code 263 III” for special transfers—but many cases lack preliminary inquiries as required. Performance reports are being manipulated: those to be removed receive “average,” those to be favoured “very good,” steering outcomes improperly. In 2025, 134 OICs were transferred despite an interview list existing—why ignore it? Stations are graded A, B, C, D; some from D-grade are moved to A-grade without a transparent, merit-based process.

¶ 08 Who prepares these lists? We have long raised this. In 2006 I moved an adjournment motion on establishing the NPC and produced letters—like ones sent to Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking OIC changes—and opposed such practices then, as now. Do not paint us all with one brush.

¶ 09 Today, WhatsApp requests go to the Minister and officials; names flow to the NPC and to the IGP, and transfer lists follow. Delays spurred today’s tussle.

¶ 10 If you insist on transfers, do them by due process. Do not target disabled police officers: ensure they have suitable light duties; do not push them onto the streets. Prisons are overcrowded—this requires attention. Also, the recent mass promotions to around 600 SIs have created issues; please review them. If you will not allow the NPC to function independently, then bring a motion to dissolve it—you have 159 Members; raise your hands and end both the Police Commission and the Police as you wish.