The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) says the chairman of the National Police Commission (NPC) Chandra Fernando and member M.P.P. Perera have caused an affront to the country’s Constitution by being part of Basil Rajapaksa’s welcoming party on 20 November.

Fernando, who is also a former Inspector General of Police along with Perera, was seen in video footage welcoming Rajapaksa.

The NMSJ led by former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has in a statement said Parliament must take note of their conduct and take action.

“The reason for setting up independent commissions including the NPC was to depoliticise them. Accordingly, all members appointed to the commissions have been assigned this responsibility through the provisions of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.” the statement said.

The conduct of Fernando and Perera in welcoming Rajapaksa the national organiser of the SLPP is clear proof of support and patronage for particular political party leader, the NMSJ has said.

“As a result of their behaviour, doubts have now arisen among the general public about certain decisions and measures taken by the NPC in the recent past.