Move to Remove Deshabandu: Legal Challenges

The ongoing legal and political turmoil surrounding former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennekoon has taken a critical turn, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear nine fundamental rights petitions challenging his appointment. Meanwhile, Parliament has moved forward with a resolution to remove him from office, marking a significant moment in Sri Lanka's law enforcement and governance.

Supreme Court to Hear Petitions

The Supreme Court has scheduled arguments for May 6, 7, and 8 regarding the fundamental rights petitions that question Tennekoon's appointment as IGP. Previously, the Court had issued an interim order directing the President to appoint a suitable acting IGP until a final ruling is reached. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe chose not to make an appointment, given the proximity of the presidential elections. However, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, upon assuming office, appointed Priyantha Weerasooria as the acting Police Chief.

Parliamentary Resolution for Removal

Parallel to the judicial proceedings, the government has acted under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act of 2006 to introduce a resolution for Tennekoon’s removal. The resolution, backed by 115 Members of Parliament (MPs), was listed in the Order Book of Parliament on March 26. Despite the pending Supreme Court cases, the NPP-JVP-led government appears determined to expedite the process.

Under the legal framework, a Committee of Inquiry will be appointed to examine the allegations against Tennekoon. This committee will include a Supreme Court judge, the Chairman of the Police Commission, and a distinguished legal or public administration expert. If the committee finds him guilty, the Speaker will submit the resolution for a parliamentary vote, and upon securing a majority, the President will be mandated to remove him from office.

Key Allegations Against Tennekoon

The 31-paragraph resolution accuses Tennekoon of multiple serious offenses, primarily linked to an incident on December 30, 2023. Key accusations include:

Dispatching an armed police team from the Colombo Crime Division to Weligama for an unauthorized mission.

Directing officers to open fire at W15 Hotel in Pelena, Weligama, constituting gross misconduct and abuse of power.

Failing to take action after two police officers sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.

Instructing the officers involved to return to Colombo without providing medical assistance to the injured.

Aiding and abetting the unauthorized operation and subsequent cover-up.

Evading court orders and going into hiding between February 27 and March 19, 2025.

Additionally, the resolution implicates Tennekoon in alleged abuses of power during the 2022 mass protests (Aragalaya), asserting that his actions brought the office of IGP and the entire Police Department into disrepute.

Implications and Next Steps

With both legal and legislative actions underway, the coming weeks will be decisive for Tennekoon’s fate. If the Supreme Court rules against his appointment and the parliamentary committee upholds the allegations, his removal will likely be swift.