Senior DIG S.M. Wickremasinghe’s bid for the post of IGP has come under threat due to his close ties with some of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s associates, including retired senior DIG Anura Senanayake. 

Senanayake's name has already been been linked with Wasim Thajudeen's murder investigation, informed government sources said.

Furthermore, Senior DIG Wickramasinghe, in his capacity as the former President's security chief, has worked closely with some of the personal bodyguards of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Some ex-bodyguards of the former President, including 'Captain Tissa', are expected to be arrested in connection with the Thajudeen investigation. On the other hand, several other bodyguards, including the person known as 'Major Neville', are under probe over multiple allegations, including bribery and money laundering.

Wickremasinghe hails from Polonnaruwa and has the backing of President Maithripala Sirisena, who was quick to appoint him as acting IGP soon after former IGP N.K. Illangakone's retirement. However, according to the provisions of the 19th Amendment, the final decision on the appointment would be made by the Constitutional Council. 

Some members of the Constitutional Council, including its civil society representatives, have raised concerns about Wickremasinghe's track-record when the latter was the security chief of the former President, Asian Mirror reliably learns. 

The Constitutional Council will interview three senior DIGs, namely S.M. Wickremasinghe, Pujitha Jayasundara and Chandana Wickremaratne, on Monday. With Wickremaratne being comparatively junior to the service, Jayasundara is likely to be nominated by the Constitutional Council as the next IGP.