The sudden and large-scale transfer of 139 Officers-in-Charge (OICs) across the country has raised concerns within the police force, with some questioning the reasoning behind the unprecedented reshuffle. The transfers, which were approved by the National Police Commission and authorized by Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, have created uncertainty among officers, with some describing the move as “questionable.”
According to Police Headquarters, the transfers include 105 Chief Inspectors of Police (CIs) and 34 Inspectors of Police (IPs), with the process set to be carried out in two phases, on 13 February and 18 February. While officials maintain that the changes are routine service modifications aimed at improving operational efficiency, the scale and nature of certain reassignments have raised eyebrows.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that some OICs have been reassigned to general duties without any explanation, while others have received highly favourable postings.
“There are some questionable transfers that have taken place. A few officers known for their efficiency have been removed from their positions, while others with mixed performance records have been placed in key roles. This has created confusion within the police force,” the officer said.
A significant number of the transfers involve OICs in Colombo and its suburbs, with many losing their positions at police stations and being moved to other duties. Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga dismissed allegations of political influence, stating that the reshuffle was necessary as many OICs had not been reassigned in nearly three years.
“This has been an ongoing process. Some officers were transferred due to underperformance. Others have received better postings. No one can claim that politics played a role. These transfers have been carried out with the approval of the National Police Commission,” SSP Manatunga explained.
However, questions remain over the timing and nature of some of the reassignments. The decision to transfer a record number of officers at once has led to speculation about whether it was purely a routine measure or if there were other underlying reasons.
With officers now awaiting their new roles, the reshuffle has left many within the police force uncertain about future administrative changes and the overall direction of law enforcement leadership in the country. (NewsWire)