President Chandrika Kumaratunga is again at loggerheads with the government over selection of members to the crucial Police Commission which is expected to ensure that the police force is free and independent without political interference.

Kumaratunga has fired a strongly worded letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Michael Perera, after one of the members of the Police Commission tendered his resignation citing "dishonorable behaviour" of another member of the commission.

The seven-member commission has been appointed to ensure that police promotions are given according to merit, but one of the commission members had sent his resignation after one of the members of the Commission personally canvassed for the promotion of his brother.

The member who resigned from the post is Dr B.S. Wijeweera. Kumaratunga has accepted the resignation letter.

"The reasons given by Dr. Wijeweera for his resignation are most distressing. He has referred to the improper and dishonorable behaviour of a Member of the Commission in contravention of the Code of Conduct, pledged to by all members of the Police Commission," Kumaratunga said in the letter.

Kumaratunga said she had emphasised in her previous correspondence with the speaker that "only distinguished and eminent persons with an impeccable background should be considered for appointment to the Independent Commissions."

"This deplorable incident at the Police Commission viz the dishonorable behaviour of a member of the Commission, is confirmation that the Constitutional Council has failed to discharge its duties and responsibilities in selecting and recommending well qualified, politically neutral and independent persons endowed with qualities of integrity and impartiality for appointment to these Commissions," Kumaratunga declared.

The President recalled that there had been occasions to bring to the speaker's notice "the unsuitability of certain candidates recommended by you for appointment to the Independent Commissions. I have also suggested to you to reconsider the current selection procedures, which do not seem to attract the best candidates to serve in these Commissions. I trust you will not let these matters of national importance lay in abeyance."

The president said that inordinate delays in finalising matters connected with procedures on selection of members to the council "would undoubtedly result in erosion of public confidence in the Constitutional Council."