May 29, Colombo (LNW): A high-level inquiry examining serious allegations of misconduct against Sri Lanka’s suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has resumed, with proceedings held at the Parliamentary Complex drawing closer to the next phase of the investigation.
The inquiry, focused on Tennakoon, who has been temporarily relieved of duties over accusations of severe abuse of authority, was conducted under the leadership of Supreme Court Justice P.P. Surasena. Joining him on the panel were Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawela and National Police Commission Chair E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake.
The session marked a significant development, with legal representatives from both the Attorney General’s Department and the respondent reaching a general agreement on several points of fact. This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Parliamentary Communications Department.
Senior legal officials—Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera—outlined a series of agreed-upon elements surrounding the allegations against the suspended police chief. These admissions, according to the Department, help narrow the focus of the ongoing inquiry and pave the way for the next stages.
Representing Tennakoon, Attorney-at-Law R.S. Weerawickrama also addressed the panel, raising questions and offering clarifications on matters that remain in dispute. With the initial framework largely settled, attention is now turning to the formal presentation of evidence and testimonies.
It was jointly decided that the Committee would reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on June 03, when affidavits supporting the Attorney General’s claims will be formally submitted. The respondent’s official response to these affidavits is scheduled to follow on June 09. Thereafter, the process will intensify with oral hearings and cross-examinations planned for the period from June 11 to 16.
