Former IGP sworn in as Governor of Northern Province

[TamilNet, Friday, 04 July 2008, 07:24 GMT]
Victor Perera who retired on June 30 from the post of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Thursday took oaths before President Mahinda Rajapakse as the first Governor of the Northern Province. This is the first time a retired IGP has been appointed for the post of the governor of a province in the country.

The first governor of the merged North East Province was a retired Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Nalin Seneviratne. The second and third governor of the North East province were civilian officials, former Jaffna government agent Lionel Fernando, and actor cum politician Gamini Fonseka. Fourth governor was Major General (retd) Asoka Jayewardene and the fifth was former Foreign Minister in UNP government Tyrone Fernando. Rear Admiral (retd) Mohan Wijewickrema was appointed Governor of the North East province by the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

With the de-merger of the NE province, Rear Admiral Mohan Wijewickrema was appointed Governor of the eastern province and asked by the President to act as acting Governor of the Northern Province till permanent appointment was made.

Victor Perera has been now appointed Governor of the Northern Province immediately after he retired from the police service. He served as the IGP for about sixteen months.

Chronology: