"The boy stood on the burning deck whence all but him had fled." That’s what has happened to DIG Kotakadeniya. The Kotakadeniya episode has roused interest of the public and most are in full agreement with Mr. Kotakadeniya on the matters of corruption, intimidation and acts of torture etc. by the police on suspects. The Inspector General of Police as head of the Police Department cannot let down the force, for it reflects badly on his administration. Perhaps he may be taking action on errant officers without giving publicity.

However, the TV discussion on Sirasa 6.8.02, where the Minister for Interior Affairs, Mr. John Ameratunga, without committing himself, mildly got off by saying that if such misdeeds were reported to him, he would initiate action. He said that the extension granted to the present IGP had been done by the previous regime — PA and he could do nothing about it. He also said that Mr. Kotakadeniya was the most senior DIG and he had a grouse and in frustration, he made those allegations.

True, every government servant aspires for the plum of office before retirement which is his due. Regrettably this does not happen due to political interferences, hampering clean administrations.

It should be said in fairness to Mr. Kotakadeniya, that his stand had been the same during PA and the present regime. It is therefore obvious, no government is prepared to have an outspoken person like Kotakadeniya. Where is the much spoken of retirement of public officers are reaching 60 which Prof. G. L. Peiris, so vehemently and eloquently spoke of during the election time? What do we see? most of the Secretaries to Ministers are over 60 years and some have been appointed from outside the public service.

If the Minister for Interior Affairs, Mr. John Ameratunga, tries to place the blame on the previous government, in this instance, he has the power to terminate the services of an officer at any time.

Please refer Sri Lanka Constitution — Chapter IX Public Service — 55(1) "....and all public officers shall hold office at pleasure". This is elaborated in the ‘Establishments Code’ issued to all governments.

It is quite clear that no government will wish to have officers who do not play ball with the government and could take action in terms of the powers vested in him under the Constitution.

How many public servants have retired from public service, frustrated due to denial to them by governments their legitimate promotions. This will continue, even after the much talked of Independent Public Service Commission, Police Commission, Judicial Commission etc. come to be.

Walter Silva
Maharagama