President Ranil Wickremesinghe is reportedly considering extending the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), according to sources familiar with the matter.

Tennakoon assumed the role of Acting IGP on November 29, 2023, initially appointed for a three-month term. With his term set to expire soon, sources close to the President have indicated that he may propose a service extension to the Constitutional Council.

However, sources also suggest that President Wickremesinghe is contemplating bypassing the temporary extension route and instead considering a permanent appointment for Tennakoon as the IGP.

The decision to extend Tennakoon's tenure or appoint him permanently as the IGP comes amidst ongoing deliberations within the government regarding the leadership of the police force. Tennakoon's performance during his tenure as Acting IGP and his suitability for the permanent position are likely factors being weighed in the decision-making process.