National Police Commission of Sri Lanka

Summary

The National Police Commission (NPC) is established under Articles 155A–155G of the Constitution, inserted by the 17th Amendment (Act No. 3 of 2001) and restored in full by the 21st Amendment (Act No. 45 of 2022). It consists of five members appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council — all civilians; no serving or retired police officers may serve. Members hold 3-year terms and are removable only on the same grounds as a judge of the Court of Appeal. The NPC exercises binding power over the appointment, transfer, promotion, and disciplinary proceedings (including dismissal) of all police officers below the Inspector General of Police. It may investigate complaints from the public against police officers and its determinations are final. The Commission has full access to police records and personnel files necessary for its functions and is required to publish annual reports to Parliament. It maintains a public complaints mechanism that may independently investigate use-of-force incidents involving police officers.