Historic Removal: Deshabandu Tennakoon Voted Out as IGP by Parliament

In an unprecedented move, Sri Lanka’s Parliament has voted to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from office, marking the first time in the country's history that a sitting police chief has been ousted through a parliamentary vote.

The Vote

Following a parliamentary debate on the motion, the resolution passed with a decisive 177 votes in favour, none against, and one abstention. The vote follows a months-long investigation into alleged misconduct.

Grounds for Removal

The motion cited:

Serious misconduct

Abuse of power

Criminal complicity

These findings were based on a report submitted by a Special Parliamentary Committee appointed by the Constitutional Council, which concluded Tennakoon was unfit to hold any post in the police service.

Background

Appointed Acting IGP: November 2023

Confirmed as IGP: February 2024

Appointed by: Then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, despite widespread criticism and claims of unconstitutionality.

Legal Status: Suspended by the Supreme Court in July 2024, currently out on bail in connection with a 2023 shooting in Weligama.

What’s Next?

This development could pave the way for:

Criminal proceedings or disciplinary action under civil or police law.

Further scrutiny of past IGP appointments and political interference in police leadership.

A re-examination of police accountability and oversight frameworks in Sri Lanka.

Public and Legal Significance

This vote sets a new precedent for institutional accountability in Sri Lanka, potentially opening the door for broader legal reforms within the law enforcement and justice sectors.