A writ petition filed by 33 Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) seeking an order staying the National Police Commission decision to appoint Bimshani Jasin Arachchi as acting Deputy Inspector General (DIG) was yesterday fixed for support by the Supreme Court.
The media recently reported that Sri Lanka Police had appointed SSP Bimshani Jasin Arachchi as its first woman Deputy Inspector General of Police.
The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice Murdu Fernando, Justice Shiran Gunaratne and Justice Achala Wengappuli fixed the petition for support on May 18.
Police Legal Division Director, SSP Ruwan Gunasekera and 32 other SSPs have filed this petition challenging the National Police Commission’s decision to appoint SSP Jasin Arachchi to the Deputy Inspector General’s post.
The petitioners maintained that decision to appoint Bimshani Jasin Arachchi to the post of acting Deputy Inspector General of Police is illegal and unlawful. They alleged that the appointment has disregarded the prevailing laws, causing serious and irreversible damage to the petitioners’ careers in the Police Department.
The petitioners further said decision to appoint to act in the capacity and rank of WDIG of Police is a violation of the approved scheme of recruitment and promotion of the Sri Lanka Police.
President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena with Counsel Rukshan Senadheera under the instructions of counsel Sanath Wijewardane appeared for the petitioners.
Senior Counsel Chrishmal Warnasuriya appeared for DIG Bimshani Jasin Arachchi.
