Attacks in Sri Lanka. Police chief refuses to leave despite president’s injunction

The Inspector General in charge of the Sri Lankan police refuses to resign, despite the appointment of his deputy to his post by the country’s president. This Monday, he still occupied his official residence.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday appointed a new police chief even though his predecessor, dismissed following the jihadist attacks on Easter Sunday, refuses to resign.

The head of state announced Friday the resignation of police chief Pujith Jayasundara following the inability of the Sri Lankan security forces to prevent the suicide attacks claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, which left 253 dead in luxury hotels and Christian churches on April 21.

Always at his post

However, the Inspector General has never sent his letter of resignation and remains in his official residence, said a source participating in the process. His number two, Chandana Wickramaratne, has been named to replace him.

“Jayasundara challenged the president and remained in his post, but today the president made a new appointment,” the source said. “This means that Jayasundara finds himself suspended until he is formally dismissed through a motion of impeachment in Parliament,” she added.

The Ministry of Defense also implicated

President Sirisena accuses him of not having taken the necessary security measures when Sri Lanka had very precise information on the risks of imminent suicide attacks.

The top defense ministry official also had to resign last week, the result of the Sri Lankan state’s failure to ensure the safety of its citizens. A former army chief, General Shantha Kottegoda, has been appointed as the top defense ministry official.

More than 150 people have been arrested over the past eight days in connection with the investigation into the attacks. More than 15 people have been killed in security force operations.

Aishwarya Yogeshwar

Aishwarya Yogeshwar is the visionary founder of CGI Jaffna, a pioneering organization dedicated to fostering innovation and community growth in the Jaffna region. With a deep passion for news publishing, Aishwarya combines her entrepreneurial spirit with a keen interest in delivering impactful and engaging stories. Her commitment to creating a platform for reliable news and meaningful discourse reflects her dedication to empowering communities through knowledge and information. Aishwarya’s leadership and innovative approach make her a driving force in the world of media and communication.

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