Three-Member Committee Appointed to Investigate Deshabandu Tennakoon

A three-member Committee has been appointed to investigate allegations of misconduct and abuse of power against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.

The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena. Justice Neil Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman Lalith Ekanayake are the remaining members.

This follows a resolution passed unanimously in Parliament on April 8, calling for the removal of Tennakoon from his position. The motion, presented by National People’s Power MP Lakmali Hemachandra, received 151 votes in favour, with no opposition.

The resolution was passed under Section 5 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, citing misconduct and abuse of power under Sections 3(d) and 3(e) of the Act.

As required by standing orders, the committee includes a judge appointed by the Chief Justice, a member agreed upon by both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chairman of the National Police Commission.

The investigation is set to begin immediately following the formal establishment of the committee.