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Battle for IGP post amid political crisis
By Chris Kamalendran
Amidst political turmoil and uncertainty, a fresh crisis is brewing over the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) after the Independent Police Commission nominated Senior Deputy Inspector General Chandra Fernando for the post.

Speaker Joseph Michael Perera told The Sunday Times the Independent Police Commission had recommended DIG Fernando for the top post and the Constitutional Council had forwarded the recommendation to President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

President Kumaratunga had last month appointed Indra de Silva as the Acting IGP, pending a decision by the Police Commission, but the consequent political crisis has complicated the issue.

The President had recommended the name of Mr. de Silva to the Constitutional Council and the matter was referred back to the Police Commission to determine the eligibility of Mr. de Silva to be appointed to the post. Mr. de Silva had sought a court determination about his seniority.

But the Police Commission which studied the issue has found that Mr. Fernando is the most eligible person for the post. "We have now forwarded the recommendation of Mr. Fernando's name to the President and awaiting a reply," the Speaker who is also the Chairman of the Constitutional Council, said.

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