Committee of Inquiry finds Deshabandhu guilty of all allegations, recommends his removal

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Committee of Inquiry appointed to investigate allegations of gross abuse of power against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandhu Thennakoon has found him guilty on all counts.

At the commencement of yesterday’s Parliament proceedings, Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne confirmed that he has received the full report of the Committee of Inquiry, which has recommended the removal of Thennakoon from the post of IGP.

The Speaker announcing the findings noted that the Committee has unanimously found guilty of all charges brought against Thennakoon under section 8(2) of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002.

Dr. Wickramaratne also noted that it is a historic occasion, since this is the first time in the constitutional process of Sri Lanka that a Committee of Inquiry of this nature has recommended the removal of an IGP from the post.

The Speaker stated that he is obliged to place the findings of guilt in the form of a resolution in the order paper of Parliament, which will be voted by Members of Parliament on a future date.

Dr. Wickramaratne also ordered the report be tabled in Parliament.

The Speaker said he intends to release the report of the Committee to the public considering the interest in the matter and the obligation of the Parliament.

He noted that now it is the duty of the MPs to ratify the findings of the Committee of Inquiry.

The Committee of Inquiry was chaired by Supreme Court Justice P.P. Surasena including Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and National Police Commission Chairman (Ex-officio) E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake.

Resolution to appoint a Committee of Inquiry in terms of Section 5 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, to remove the suspended IGP Thennakoon from the office for misconduct and gross abuse of power of his office in terms of Sections 3(d) and 3(e) read with Section 5 of the said Act was passed in Parliament on 4 April 2025.

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