The Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies has issued a statement saying that the appointment of retired officer Shani Abeysekera, former director of the Criminal Investigation Department, as the director of the Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Prevention Division should not have been done in a background where an election has been announced.
Manjula Gajanayake, the executive director of that institution, indicated in the relevant announcement that although there is no problem with his knowledge and practice regarding the relevant position, Shani Abeysekera should have been appointed to any position after the parliamentary elections.
Manjula Gajanayake further says that the fact that his appointment has been made at a time when a parliamentary election has been announced should not be forgotten. The Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies further points out that the appointment of a retired civil servant, who showed strong political activity in support of the National People’s Power before the presidential election, to the position of director of a police unit during an election campaign period is an extremely controversial and questionable decision.
