March 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has initiated the formal process to remove suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, following the legal framework outlined in the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, Cabinet Spokesman Minister (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa confirmed.
Speaking at a press briefing, Jayathissa outlined the steps required to dismiss the embattled police chief. Under the existing legislation, a motion seeking the removal of the IGP must be supported by at least 75 members of Parliament.
However, in a show of significant backing, 115 MPs have already signed the proposal, which has been formally submitted to the Speaker.
On Tuesday, a group of National People’s Power (NPP) lawmakers put forward the motion, listing 27 corruption allegations against Tennakoon.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has also lent his support, stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will back the initiative in Parliament.
Jayathissa expressed confidence that the motion would secure the necessary parliamentary approval when it is taken up for debate during the upcoming sittings on April 8 or 9. He further explained that, alongside the parliamentary vote, a special investigative committee would be appointed to examine the allegations against Tennakoon.
This committee will be formed with nominations from the Chief Justice and will include a serving Supreme Court judge, the chairman of the National Police Commission, and a senior government administrator. Their findings will be compiled into a report and submitted to Parliament for final endorsement.
In response to concerns regarding the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Tennakoon’s appointment, the minister assured that the parliamentary process would not interfere with court hearings.
“All allegations against him will be investigated thoroughly,” Jayathissa stated, highlighting some of the most serious claims, including accusations that Tennakoon unlawfully received salaries from external institutions while serving in a government position.
He also referenced suspicions about an unlicensed distillery allegedly operated at Tennakoon’s residence, which the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been tasked with investigating.
Further inquiries will also be made into the suspended police chief’s international travel records, though Jayathissa noted that specific details might not be disclosed publicly due to the sensitive nature of the probe.
“There will be no selective justice,” he added, insisting that the law would be applied impartially. “No one is above the legal system, and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure accountability.”
