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IGP gets extension amid row

By Chris Kamalendran

Police Chief T.E. Anandaraja (C), who has been granted an extension of service amidst controversy, is seen taking the salute at a ceremony to mark the opening of the Police Central Welfare Centre at Olcott Mawatha, Colombo last morning. Pic by Indraratna Balasuriya

Police Chief T. E. Anandarajah, though embroiled in a major controversy, is being given a one-year extension by President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the recommendation by the UNF government.

IGP Anandarajah, in the midst of a controv ersy, was to retire tomorrow completing his term of office. However, in a last minute decision the President granted the extension.

The Sunday Times learns the IGP's extension was recommended by Interior Minister John Amaratunga and approved by the Cabinet . The Police Chief last week was embroiled in a controversy following reports that he had attended a party hosted by a notorious drug baron at a five-star hotel. The Sihala Urumaya is demanding the resignation of the IGP, alleging that his presence at the drug baron's party was unworthy of his high office.

However, the IGP who admitted that he attended the dinner and posed for a photograph, claimed he was unaware of the background of the host. The Sunday Times learns that President Kumaratunga has called for an impartial inquiry into the charges levelled against the Police Chief.

The extension, however, comes pending an inquiry into the Police chief's conduct by Interior Ministry Secretary M Junaid. Meanwhile, on Friday night posters came up in the city calling for the removal of the IGP on allegations of his involvement with the drug magnate. However, Police commandos of the STF were deployed to remove the posters .

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