Wijeyadasa criticises motion by NPP to remove suspended IGP Thennakoon

Monday, 31 March 2025 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Argues motion has no legal validity as Supreme Court has already ruled Thennakoon’s appointment invalid
Claims former President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed Thennakoon as IGP, claiming Constitutional Council’s approval
Criticises Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne for accepting motion, calling it unconstitutional
Suggests corruption allegations against Thennakoon should be investigated by Supreme Court-led special committee

Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe

Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has dismissed the motion submitted by National People’s Power (NPP) MPs to remove Deshabandu Thennakoon from the position of Inspector General of Police (IGP), stating that it holds no legal validity.

Rajapakshe pointed out that the Supreme Court had already issued an interim order declaring Thennakoon’s appointment as IGP invalid. As a result, he argued, Thennakoon is no longer the IGP, making any motion for his removal irrelevant under the Removal of High Officials Act No. 5 of 2002.

“Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed Thennakoon as the IGP, claiming the Constitutional Council’s approval. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that the appointment is invalid. Against this, while the Court order remains in effect, MPs have submitted a motion to remove him from office. This is entirely contrary to the Constitution and the relevant legal provisions,” Rajapakshe stated.

He further criticised Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne for accepting the motion, arguing that it undermines Parliament’s authority.

Rajapakshe maintained that if corruption allegations against Thennakoon needed to be investigated, a special committee led by a Supreme Court judge should be appointed instead.

“The Supreme Court has already ruled that Thennakoon is not the IGP. Despite this, Parliament is considering a motion for his removal. This move has no legal standing and weakens the credibility of Parliament,” he added.

Thennakoon remains suspended and remanded till 3 April in connection with a shooting incident on 31 December 2023.