Public resist transfer of northern police chief

By Norman Palihawadane

DIG Samantha de Silva has been appointed as the new Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF), with the National Police Commission approving the decision, sources at Police Headquarters confirmed.This marks a significant shift in leadership as de Silva takes over from Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara, following a series of upcoming changes within the Police Department, Headquarters sources said.

DIG de Silva, a veteran of the STF, has had a distinguished career, having also served as the head of the Ministerial Security Division and the Judicial Service Security Division. He has been wounded several times in the line of duty, including during the tragic bomb explosion that claimed the life of former Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle whom he served as a Personal Security Officer.

Headquarters sources said that the reshuffle within the police force is part of broader organizational changes, with key leadership positions expected to be rotated in the coming days. They indicated that Senior DIGs overseeing several provinces, including Western, Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern, are also set to be transferred.

Among the most discussed transfers is that of SDIG Tilak Dhanapala, currently responsible for the Northern Province. Dhanapala is slated for a transfer to a province in the Western region. However, his proposed reassignment has faced strong opposition from the residents of the Northern Province, who have voiced their support for his leadership. Public petitions and requests to retain Dhanapala in his current position have delayed the transfer, highlighting his popularity and the trust placed in him by local communities.

The proposed transfers, including those of SDIG Dhanapala, had been recommended by the previous Acting IGP C.D. Wickramaratne to the NPC for final approval.