Your responsibility not to allow anyone to deprive the voting rights of the people of this country
His Excellency the President
Presidential Secretariat
Colombo 01.
2024-08-01
Dear Excellency
Solving the problems concerning the Post of Inspector General of Police and holding the
Presidential Election
The Election Commission has announced the presidential election, constitutionally and the
election is now scheduled to be held on 21st September 2024. You have already submitted
the cash deposit to contest the presidential election and stated that you will ensure that there
will not be any obstacles in holding the election. We are thankful to you for your assurance.
However, a situation of uncertainty has arisen again as an Acting Inspector General of Police
has not been appointed following the interim order issued by the Supreme Court restraining
the police chief from functioning as the Inspector General of Police. The arising of a state of
uncertainty, in regard to the functioning of democracy and conduct of elections is always
detrimental to the dignity of the state, the citizens and yourself as the head of state.
We wish to draw your kind attention to the following matters as well.
• The people have not been given the opportunity to elect public representatives for
Provincial Councils for more than 6 years.
• The opportunity to select councilors for local government bodies has been postponed indefinitely.
• Various uncertainties have developed in regard to the opportunity the people have got to choose a president after 5 years.
As the incumbent president it is your responsibility not to allow anyone to deprive the voting rights of the people of this country on account of any possible inadequacies of the
Constitutional Council, the Speaker or any other party.
It is based on this confidence that the citizens of this country elect public representatives directly or indirectly, and authorize them to utilize and manage people’s tax money. We kindly request you as the Executive President and the appointing authority of the IGP, to fulfill
your responsibility, if the conducting of elections is affected in the absence of an Inspector General of Police
As the incumbent President, we expect you to fulfill the responsibilities assigned to you in terms of the Article 33 (c) of the Constitution.
Therefore, we kindly request you to assist the Election Commission to conduct the
presidential election in a manner which is free and fair.
Rohana Hettiarachchi
Executive Director