A controversial move is underway in Sri Lanka’s law enforcement system, with police transfers and promotions set to be centralized under the Inspector General of Police (IGP), stripping the Police Commission of its long-held authority.
The government is preparing to issue a new gazette notification that will transfer the powers of police transfers and promotions from the Police Commission directly to the IGP. According to reports, this official announcement is expected to be published within the coming week. Until now, the Police Commission had the authority to oversee appointments, promotions, and transfers of senior police officers. The new directive, however, places all of these powers in the hands of the IGP.
This shift has already sparked debate within political and legal circles, with critics warning that centralizing such authority could compromise transparency, accountability, and independence within the Police Department.
