In a historic move, over 2,000 policemen were simultaneously promoted last week, following the recommendations made by the Police Commission to IGP Pujith Jayasundara. According to the Police media unit, as a result, 2,599 policemen have received back dated promotions effective as of June 31, 2016.
Sources say the move comes as a result of a large number of complaints received by the Police Commission in this regard by non-gazetted officers who had not received promotions despite completing the necessary periods of 12 and 10 years in the service effectively.
Accordingly, 2,075 police constables have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant, while 189 Sergeants are said to have been promoted to the rank of Sub Inspectors. Meanwhile, 34 Women Police Sergeants have also been promoted to the rank of Women Sub Inspector.
Secretary to the National Police Commission Ariyadasa Cooray told the Sunday Observer that the Commission will continue to have discussions with the Police to resolve all other pending issues relating to promotions and vacation of post grievances.
Before the appointment of the commission, a severe backlog of complaints and grievances at the Police Headquarters had hampered the awarding of timely promotions.