The Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental rights of social media activist Anuruddha Bandara were violated during his arrest and detention in the 2022 Aragalaya protest period.

The Court found that Deshbandu Tennakoon, then Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province, and Nalin Priyantha, then Officer‑in‑Charge of the Colombo North Special Investigation Unit, were responsible for the violation.

The ruling was delivered after examining a fundamental rights petition submitted by Bandara, who challenged the legality of his arrest and detention during the protest movement. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Thursday (12) concluded hearings on a series of Fundamental Rights petitions challenging the appointment of former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon.

‎The court decided to end proceedings after considering an affidavit submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in connection with the case. The decision was made with the consent of the petitioners, according to court proceedings.

‎The petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Mahinda Samayawardhena.

‎The petitions had sought to challenge the legality of Tennakoon’s appointment as police chief. (Newswire)

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Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday, has been remanded.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court remanded Tennakoon until 27th August after he was presented before the court today.  

The CID had arrested Deshabandu Tennakoon in connection with a case related to the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s struggle in 2022, in which he was named as a suspect. (Newswire)

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Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today. 

It is reported that Deshabandu Tennakoon was arrested in connection with a case related to the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s struggle in 2022.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was named as a suspect in the case. 

His arrest comes after the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by Tennakoon.

Tennakoon had sought anticipatory bail to prevent his arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation, but the court refused to grant the request after considering submissions. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has approved the letter removing Deshabandu Tennakoon from the post of Inspector General of Police (IGP). 

The letter was submitted by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne per the resolution passed in Parliament yesterday on Deshabandu Tennakoon’s removal from Office.

Following the President’s nomination of a candidate to the Constitutional Council for the position of IGP, a new Inspector General will be appointed based on majority approval.

In the vote held in Parliament yesterday on the proposal to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon from office, 177 votes were cast in favour of the resolution, with none against. One Member of Parliament abstained from voting.

On 22nd July, it was revealed in Parliament that Deshabandu Tennakoon was found guilty of the allegations against him. 

This was announced by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne when presenting the report of the Parliamentary committee that investigated Tennakoon.

Accordingly, the committee unanimously recommended that Deshabandu Tennakoon be removed from his position. He faced allegations of abuse of power and misconduct in office. (Newswire)

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Deshabandu Tennakoon has been removed from the Post of Inspector General of Police (IGP), becoming the first sitting police chief to be removed through a parliamentary vote in Sri Lanka’s history.

His removal comes following a vote conducted in parliament today, following the debate on the proposal to remove him from the post of IGP.

The resolution to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon from office was passed in Parliament with 177 MPs voting in favour, none against, and one abstention.

The motion brought against Deshabandu Tennakoon calls for his dismissal based on findings of serious misconduct, abuse of power, and criminal complicity. 

The special Parliamentary committee appointed by the Constitutional Council had earlier concluded that Deshabandu Tennakoon was unfit to hold any post within the police service.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was first appointed acting IGP in November 2023 and confirmed in the post in February 2024.

He was appointed IGP by then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with many objecting to the appointment, calling it unconstitutional.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was suspended by the Supreme Court in July last year and is currently on bail in connection with a 2023 shooting incident in Weligama. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Mujibur Rahuman on Tuesday told Parliament that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) supports the motion to remove Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon from office.

“We are with the decision to remove Deshabandu,” MP Rahuman said during the parliamentary debate, affirming the party’s position ahead of the scheduled vote at 4 p.m.

The motion, brought under the Removal of Officers Act No. 5 of 2002, seeks to dismiss Tennakoon based on findings of serious misconduct, abuse of power, and criminal complicity. The special committee appointed by the Constitutional Council had earlier concluded that Tennakoon is unfit to hold any post within the police service.

SJB, the main opposition party, had previously opposed Tennakoon’s appointment and challenged it in court. Party leader Sajith Premadasa condemned the decision to appoint him as IGP, calling it unconstitutional and demanding accountability from then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Speaker.

Tennakoon was suspended by the Supreme Court in July last year and is currently on bail in connection with a 2023 shooting incident in Weligama. 

He was first appointed acting IGP in November 2023 and confirmed in the post in February 2024.

If the resolution is passed later today, it will mark the first time a sitting police chief has been removed through a parliamentary vote in Sri Lanka’s history. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa clashed with Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament today, questioning the legality of holding the debate on the proposal to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon from the post of Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Addressing Parliament today, MP Namal Rajapaksa pointed out that under Standing Order 98F, a matter related to a case being deliberated in the courts cannot be taken up for debate in Parliament.

“There are 09 cases being deliberated at the Supreme Court on this matter. You must assure that the outcome of the court case will not be affected by the Parliament debate. Therefore, make a statement in this regard and then commence the debate,” MP Rajapaksa said.

Responding, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne pointed out that the Parliament debate has been scheduled after studying the relevant provisions and thus allowing the submission of the motion to be debated today. 

When MP Rajapaksa continued to raise concerns, the Speaker said he had provided a response, ordering the MP to end his speech. (Newswire)

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Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament today that the report of the Committee of Inquiry probing allegations of gross abuse of power against suspended IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon has found him guilty of all charges and has recommended his removal.

The following is the statement made by the Speaker while presenting to Parliament the report of the investigative committee.

Today, I wish to bring to the attention of this august Assembly a matter of profound constitutional and institutional significance.

As you are aware, under the provisions of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, a Committee of Inquiry was appointed to investigate and report on the grounds for the removal of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP).

I have now received the formal findings of the Committee, duly constituted in accordance with the Act. In this connection, I wish to place on record our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the distinguished Members of the Committee for their diligence, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law:

Hon. Justice Padman Surasena, Judge of the Supreme Court – Chairman

Hon. Justice Neil Iddawala, Judge of the Court of Appeal

Member

Mr. Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman, National Police Commission – Member

This Committee, having conducted its inquiries has unanimously found the officer in question guilty of the allegations brought against him, in accordance with Section 8(2) of the Act.

This marks a historic moment in our constitutional journey – the first time in the history of the Republic of Sri Lanka that such a committee has submitted its findings recommending the removal of an Inspector General of Police under the provisions of the law enacted by Parliament.

As mandated under Section 17 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, I am obliged – and hereby undertake – to place the finding of guilt in the form of a resolution in the Order Paper of Parliament for the consideration and vote of this House.

Further, for the information of Honourable Members and in the interest of transparency and public accountability, I have directed the Secretary General of Parliament, to table the Committee’s Report as a Parliamentary Paper, and arrangements will be made for Members to receive copies in all three official languages in due course. I also intend to authorize its release to the general public, mindful of the public interest and the fundamental importance of upholding the trust reposed in institutions.

This Parliament, representing the sovereign will of the people, now bears the solemn responsibility of considering the resolution to give effect to the Committee’s findings. The House shall be notified in due course of the scheduled date for debate and vote.

Let me reiterate that in executing this duty, we uphold the values of constitutional governance, institutional accountability, and the supremacy of the law – principles that are foundational to a functioning democracy.

I urge Honourable Members to approach the forthcoming proceedings with the dignity, objectivity, and responsibility they demand.

Accordingly, I table the report of the said committee of inquiry only in English language with the special leave of the House and the soft copy of the Report in English language will be uploaded to the Parliament website for easy reference.

The Hon. Leader of the House of Parliament :

To move “that the report be printed in all three languages after having obtained the Sinhala and Tamil translations.” (Newswire)

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The report of the Committee of Inquiry probing allegations of gross abuse of power against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been handed over to Speaker of the Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne.

Addressing the Parliament today, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne said the committee of inquiry has found Deshabandu Tennakoon guilty of all charges.

He further said that the committee of inquiry has recommended Deshabandu Tennakoon’s removal. 

In April 2025, a three-member investigation committee was appointed on the removal of suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from office.

The committee is headed by Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, with Justice Neil Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman Lalitha Ekanayake the remaining members.

The committee was appointed after a resolution to appoint a committee of inquiry to investigate the removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon over alleged misconduct and abuse of power was passed in Parliament in April. (Newswire)

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A total of 28 witnesses of the prosecution have testified before the Committee of Inquiry probing allegations of gross abuse of power against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandhu Tennakoon.

According to a Parliament statement, 07 witnesses of the prosecution testified before the Inquiry Committee yesterday.

The Committee has also approved two additional witnesses to testify after 26 June, after the Additional Solicitor General, President’s Counsel Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, pointed out that these two witnesses are abroad on official business and are scheduled to return to the island on 26 June.  

With the consent of Attorney-at-Law R.S. Weerawikrama, who appeared for the Respondent Deshabandu Tennakoon, the Committee approved that the two witnesses be summoned for testimony and cross-examination on a date after 26 June.

The approvals were given when the Committee met for the fourth consecutive day yesterday under the chairmanship of Supreme Court Justice P.P. Surasena, and committee members Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and Chairman of the National Police Commission Lalith Ekanayake.

Although the Committee had originally planned to reconvene tomorrow as well, Attorney Weerawikrama requested a postponement until Monday (23 June) to prepare the suspended IGP’s defence.

With the consent of the representatives of the Attorney General’s Department, the Committee approved this request. As such, the next hearing is scheduled for 23rd June, and will continue daily until Wednesday (25 June), starting at 9:30 a.m. each day. During these sessions, witnesses listed on behalf of Deshabandu Tennakoon will be summoned to testify before the Committee.

It was also announced that 15 witnesses are expected to testify on behalf of the Respondent during these three days. Following this, the Committee is set to reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday (26 June). (Newswire)

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The Committee of Inquiry probing allegations of gross abuse of power against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) T. M. W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon will begin hearing oral evidence and cross-examinations starting June 11, with proceedings scheduled to continue from June 16 onwards.

This follows consensus reached on several admissions during a committee session held on Wednesday, May 28 at Parliament, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena, alongside Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake.

The Attorney General’s Department, represented by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris (PC) and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, presented agreed-upon admissions concerning the allegations. Attorney-at-Law R.S. Weerawickrama, representing the IGP, clarified the respondent’s stance and identified points needing further explanation.

Affidavits relating to the Attorney General’s evidence will be submitted on June 3, with the IGP’s response due on June 9, paving the way for the formal hearing phase. (Newswire)

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Notorious underworld figure Nadun Chithaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has alleged that he continues to be detained in Tangalle because he refused to pay Rs. 300 million demanded by former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Harak Kata made the claim while being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex after a hearing today. “There are so many things to say. I will reveal them then,” he told reporters before being taken back to prison.

He further claimed that his ongoing detention in Tangalle costs Rs. 10 million per month.

In March 2023, Harak Kata and Salindu Malshika alias Kudu Salindu were extradited to Sri Lanka from Madagascar by a CID team. He has since been held at the Tangalle Old Prison under the custody of the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID). (Newswire)

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Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been informed to be present before the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry appointed to probe his conduct, on 19 May 2025.

According to a Parliament statement, Tennakoon has been summoned before the  Committee of Inquiry appointed to probe and report its findings in respect of acts of gross abuse of power by Tennakoon.

This Committee has met in the Parliament premises on several occasions as of now, but it is for the first time that suspended IGP Tennakoon has been summoned before the Parliamentary Committee. (Newswire)

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Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has requested special security from the Police Department, citing threats to his life. 

According to media reports, Deshabandu Tennakoon made the request via a written letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya yesterday.

The request has been made in the backdrop of the Police and Intelligence Service uncovering plans allegedly by drug lord Kanjipani Imran to assassinate Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Recently, Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said an investigation has been launched into possible life threats to Deshabandu Tennakoon by Kanjipani Imran.

It is reported that Deshabandu Tennakoon has been informed by the Police and the Intelligence Service in this regard. 

The security provided to Deshabandu Tennakoon was removed when he was evading arrest over the case related to the shooting in front of a prominent hotel in Weligama in 2023.

As his security has been completely removed, Deshabandu Tennakoon has requested the Police to provide him with appropriate security due to persisting threats to his life. (Newswire)

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The Acting IGP has been informed to nominate a police investigation team to assist the investigation of the Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on suspended IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power. 

The Committee of Inquiry appointed to inquire and report its findings on Deshabandhu Tennakoon’s actions has informed the Acting IGP in this regard via a letter.

According to a Parliament statement, the matter was disclosed when the Committee met for the second time in Parliament today (25 Apr).

The Attorney General has nominated Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera to assist the Committee.

During today’s session, the committee held preliminary discussions regarding the conduct of future proceedings and the involvement of relevant stakeholders.

Accordingly, it was decided that the committee would meet again on Monday (28 Apr) to make decisions regarding future proceedings. (Newswire)

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A three-member investigation committee has been appointed pertaining to the removal of suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from office.

The newly appointed committee will be headed by Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

Justice Neil Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman Lalitha Ekanayake are the remaining members of the committee. 

In March, the government announced its decision to submit a motion to Parliament to remove suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from his position.

Thereafter, a letter signed by 115 NPP Parliamentarians, calling for the removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon, was handed over to the Speaker.

In April, a resolution to appoint a committee of inquiry to investigate the removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon over alleged misconduct and abuse of power was passed in Parliament.

The motion, presented by NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra, received 151 votes in favour, with no opposition. (Newswire)

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Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been issued a notice to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on 25 April 2025.

The Matara Magistrate today ordered Tennakoon, who is currently on bail, to appear before the court in connection with disobeying court orders.

Tennakoon is accused of having acted in a manner that violates court orders when leaving court after receiving bail.

The owner of the car used to escort him out of court has also been ordered to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on the said date.

The court order has been issued after the Attorney General submitted a motion to the court today stating that Tennakoon had violated court orders when he left the Matara Magistrate’s Court complex after being granted bail on 10 April.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was wanted in connection with the shooting incident in front of a prominent hotel in Weligama in 2023.

He is accused of orchestrating the shooting involving officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Weligama Police, and the Special Task Force, which resulted in the death of a CCD officer and injuries to another.

After an open warrant was issued to arrest Deshabandu Tennakoon, he surrendered before the Matara Court, having evaded arrest for 20 days, and was remanded.

However, on 10 April, the Matara Magistrate’s Court granted bail to Deshabandu Tennakoon on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each. (Newswire)

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The Matara Magistrate’s Court today granted bail to suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.

The court released Deshabandu Tennakoon on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was wanted in connection with the shooting incident in front of a prominent hotel in Weligama in 2023.

He is accused of orchestrating the shooting involving officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Weligama Police, and the Special Task Force, which resulted in the death of a CCD officer and injuries to another.

After an open warrant was issued to arrest Deshabandu Tennakoon, he surrendered before the Matara Court, having evaded arrest for 20 days, and was remanded. (Newswire)

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Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been further remanded until 10 April 2025 in connection with the Weligama shooting incident.

Tennakoon was further remanded after appearing before the Matara Magistrate’s Court today.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was wanted in connection with the shooting incident in front of a prominent hotel in Weligama in 2023.

He is accused of orchestrating the shooting involving officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Weligama Police, and the Special Task Force, which resulted in the death of a CCD officer and injuries to another.

After an open warrant was issued to arrest Deshabandu Tennakoon, he surrendered before the Matara Court, having evaded arrest for 20 days, and was remanded. (Newswire)

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