Three-member committee appointed to probe removal of suspended IGP Deshabandu

Thursday, 24 April 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Deshabandu Thennakoon

A three-member committee has been appointed to investigate and advise on the removal of suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Thennakoon, following growing political and public pressure over allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.

The committee will be chaired by Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and includes Justice Neil Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman Lalitha Ekanayake. The panel was constituted in line with a parliamentary resolution passed earlier this month, paving the way for formal proceedings into Tennakoon’s conduct during his tenure as the nation’s top police officer.

The decision comes after months of mounting controversy and a public campaign spearheaded by the National People’s Power (NPP). In March, the Government announced its intention to submit a motion to Parliament for the removal of Thennakoon. This was followed by a letter endorsed by 115 NPP Parliamentarians, urging Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to initiate the process.

The matter reached a turning point in April when Parliament overwhelmingly approved the motion to appoint a committee of inquiry. The resolution, presented by NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra, was passed with 151 votes in favour and no opposition, reflecting broad political consensus on the need for accountability.

Thennakoon, who was earlier suspended, has faced repeated criticism over alleged abuse of power and failure to uphold professional conduct in law enforcement. His suspension marked a significant moment in the government’s efforts to rebuild public trust in the police force, particularly amid ongoing investigations into high-profile criminal cases and political violence.