Post by : Meena Ariff

In a historic move, Sri Lanka’s Parliament may soon remove its top police officer. The country’s suspended police chief, Deshabandu Tennakoon, has been found guilty of serious misconduct and abuse of power. A special parliamentary committee investigated the matter and submitted its final report to Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickremaratna on Tuesday.

Committee Finds Police Chief Guilty

Speaking in Parliament, Speaker Wickremaratna shared the findings of the Committee of Inquiry. He said, “This Committee, having conducted its inquiries, has unanimously found the officer in question guilty of the allegations brought against him.”

The Speaker confirmed that the full report recommends Tennakoon’s removal from his post as Inspector General of Police (IGP). It is the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that Parliament has acted against the country’s top police officer.

First Ever Impeachment of Police Chief

Sri Lanka’s Parliament has never before taken such a step against its police chief in the department’s 159-year history. For the removal to take place, Parliament must vote on an impeachment motion. This process involves formally charging the police chief with wrongdoing and voting on whether he should be removed from office.

Why Was He Suspended?

Deshabandu Tennakoon was suspended in July 2024 by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The court ordered a hearing to check if his appointment as IGP was legal. The suspension came because of serious concerns about his past actions.

The Supreme Court had earlier found Tennakoon guilty in a fundamental rights petition. He was held responsible for torturing a person in police custody, which is a violation of basic human rights. Despite this ruling, he was appointed as the police chief in November 2023.

Public Reactions and Concerns

Many human rights groups and legal experts in Sri Lanka have raised concerns about Tennakoon’s appointment. They questioned how a person found guilty of torture could hold such a high and powerful post. People believe that police officers should protect citizens and follow the law, not break it.

The Speaker said that the committee’s full report would be tabled in Parliament as a parliamentary paper. This means that all members of Parliament will get to read the report before voting on the impeachment motion.

How Was the Inquiry Conducted?

The parliamentary committee held detailed inquiries before giving its final report. They examined evidence, spoke to witnesses, and checked legal documents related to the allegations. After careful study, the committee reached a unanimous decision to recommend his removal.

The Speaker’s announcement makes it clear that the country’s lawmakers are serious about accountability and justice, even when it involves top officials.

What Happens Next?

For Tennakoon to be removed from his post officially, Parliament must vote on his impeachment. This process will begin once the committee’s report is tabled and members review all its details.

If Parliament votes in favour, Tennakoon will lose his job as Sri Lanka’s top police officer. This will also send a strong message to all public officials in the country that no one is above the law.

Historical Context

Sri Lanka’s police department is one of the oldest government departments in the country, with a history spanning over 150 years. In all these years, no police chief has faced impeachment by Parliament. This makes the current situation historic and important for the country’s democratic system.

Why Is This Important for Sri Lanka?

People in Sri Lanka want justice and fair treatment from their leaders and law enforcement officers. They believe that those who misuse their power should be held responsible. The police play an important role in protecting citizens, and it is vital that their top officers lead by example.

By taking such steps, Parliament shows that the country is serious about protecting human rights and upholding the law. It also helps to build trust between the public and the police force.

The future of police chief Deshabandu Tennakoon now lies in the hands of Sri Lanka’s Parliament. The coming days will be crucial as lawmakers decide whether to remove him from his post. For now, the committee’s report has made one thing clear: serious misconduct and abuse of power will not be ignored, no matter who commits them.

This decision will shape the country’s law enforcement system and show whether justice truly stands strong in Sri Lanka.