• Says new hiring was based on interviews held prior to announcement of Presidential Election

Amidst allegations made that the Police Department has moved forward with recruitment despite limitations placed on such by election laws, the Department stated that all appointments have been made in compliance with regulations set by the Election Commission (EC).

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (25), Acting Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police (Administration) Lalith Pathinayake, stated that the said recruitments were based on interviews concluded prior to the announcement of the Presidential Election.

He stressed: "These recruitments have been conducted with the approval of the Election Commission, and therefore, there is no violation of electoral laws."

Pathinayake elaborated that the Police Department is currently experiencing a shortage of officers, as highlighted by recent cadre revision statistics. However, he expressed confidence that this deficit will not impede the department's operations during the election period.

The SDIG pledges to the public that the Police Department remains fully functional and capable of maintaining law and order during the upcoming Election, despite challenges. He said that the department's commitment to upholding electoral laws was unwavering. Pathinayake also said that the recruitment processes are transparent and legally compliant.

Pathinayake's comments come in the wake of media reports suggesting that the Sri Lanka Police is currently dealing with a deficit of approximately 30,000 officers. This shortage is reportedly due to a combination of factors, including retirements, resignations, and officers leaving the service due to disabilities.