Controversy surrounds the recent appointment of W.P.R Abeynayake as Police OIC of the Anamaduwa Division, as a state minister in the Puttalam district has allegedly intervened to prevent him from assuming his duties. According to a senior police officer in the area, the state minister pressured higher authorities to cancel Abeynayake's appointment, claiming that he had been appointed as the OIC without his knowledge.

Sources suggest that the state minister's activities and statements have been a subject of intense controversy and discussion in society, and that he has also stated that he will not allow the appointment of any OIC in the Puttalam district without his knowledge.

The cancellation of Abeynayake's appointment has caused concern among some members of the ruling party in the district. The Inspector General of Police had previously announced Abeynayake's appointment as Police Station Commander of Anamaduwa, subject to approval from various authorities. However, police sources confirmed that his appointment had been subsequently cancelled the day after the initial announcement.

The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about political interference in the appointments and duties of police officers in Sri Lanka.