A storm is brewing in Sri Lanka’s Parliament after explosive claims that the President has threatened the Police Commission to hand over its powers to the Inspector General of Police, sparking fears over the erosion of police independence.
Sri Lanka’s political arena erupted after Samagi Jana Balawegaya General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara alleged in Parliament that the President recently threatened the Police Commission at an event in Kalutara. According to the MP, the controversy stems from allegations that the Police Commission is being pushed to transfer its authority to the Inspector General of Police, a move that critics warn undermines the very foundation of police independence.
Bandara emphasized that the Police Commission was created to ensure impartiality and accountability in policing and that historically its powers have never been handed over to the IGP. He further accused the Inspector General of Police of making recent police transfers without the approval or knowledge of the Commission, raising serious concerns about transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
These claims have ignited a wider debate on the balance of power between the executive branch and independent institutions. Critics argue that weakening the Police Commission’s authority risks politicizing law enforcement and eroding public trust. Supporters of the Commission are now demanding clarity and assurances that its constitutional role will not be compromised. The unfolding tension highlights growing friction between governance and institutional independence in Sri Lanka.
