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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After nearly an hour of intense debate, it has been decided to proceed with a secret vote to elect the Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). 

The Inaugural meeting of the CMC commenced this morning to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the Local Council. 

The names of Vraie Cally Balthazaar of the National People’s Power (NPP) and Riza Zarook of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) were proposed for the post of Mayor of Colombo.

However, a tense situation arose due to an argument over whether an open vote or a secret ballot should be held to elect the Mayor, which was eventually resolved after one hour, with an agreement being reached for a secret vote.

Preparations are underway to commence voting. (Newswire)

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Colombo Mayor Vote: After nearly an hour of intense debate, both NPP and Opposition have finally agreed to proceed with a final secret vote to elect the Mayor.

The Inaugural meeting of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is currently underway to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the Local Council. 

The names of Vraie Cally Balthazaar of the National People’s Power (NPP) and Riza Zarook of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are proposed for the post of Mayor of Colombo.

However, a tense situation has arisen due to an argument over whether an open vote or a secret ballot should be held to elect the Mayor. 

It is reported that the NPP had suggested a secret ballot, while the other parties are calling for an open vote, with a huge argument underway during the council’s ongoing session. (Newswire)

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Black smoke rose from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel at 11:50 on Thursday morning, signalling the second ballot of the first full day of the conclave – and the third ballot overall – was inconclusive. 

As the cardinals break for lunch, the people in the square continue to look up at the chimney in anticipation. Voting is expected to resume at around 16:00. 

Around 15,000 people had gathered in St Peter’s Square to await the announcement. (Vatican News)

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Sri Lanka has been voted ‘The Most Desirable Island in the World’ at the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. 

According to the travel magazine ‘Wanderlust’, Sri Lanka has risen from last year’s eighth place to take Gold in one of the Awards’ most thrilling turnarounds. 

“Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the nation’s history comes to life through spectacular monuments such as Sigiriya Rock, the cave temples of Dambulla and the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. 

“Elsewhere, its leopard-filled national parks and the jungle-fringed beaches of Tangalle and Trincomalee show off the island’s natural side. 

“But, more recently, it’s the tea plantations and lush highlands of the centre that have caught the eye, with the fresh addition of the Pekoe Trail offering an exciting new way to explore Sri Lanka’s green heart,” says Wanderlust, describing Sri Lanka. 

Read more : https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/wanderlust-travel-awards-2024-the-results/ (Newswire)

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A vote was held in Parliament today on whether or not to take up for debate the government’s proposed Online Safety Bill (OSB).

A total of 83 Parliamentarians voted in favour, while 50 MPs voted against taking up the Online Safety Bill for debate today. 

Accordingly, following the vote, the proposed Online Safety Bill will be taken up for debate in Parliament today. 

Earlier today, taking to ‘X’, Opposition MP Harsha de Silva alleged that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was trying to go ahead with the debate with 42 clauses to be amended. 

“This is the position of the #SriLanka government. Standing orders dictate that the Oversight Committee Report must be tabled, but no such report,” he said.

The Parliament was thereafter adjourned for Party Leaders to discuss whether or not to take up for debate the proposed Online Safety Bill.

“Almost all opposition parties in @ParliamentLK met Speaker now to urge him to postpone the proposed debate on #OnlineSafetyBill scheduled for later today (34/56 clauses unconstitutional),” MP de Silva said.

The Opposition MP further said that during the discussion the Opposition pointed out the grave consequences of the passage of this draconian legislation.

MP Harsha de Silva went on to note that the Speaker had, however, decided to proceed with a vote after failing to recognize his intervention to oppose the Bill.

“Speaker of #Parliament didn’t recognize me for my intervention to insist by passing this Bill objective of dealing with real crimes online will not be met as platforms will not comply at the very least without a safe harbour condition. Now vote to decide to proceed with debate or not,” he added. (NewsWire)

Speaker of #Parliament didn’t recognize me for my intervention to insist by passing this Bill objective of dealing with real crimes online will not be met as platforms will not comply at the very least without a safe harbor condition. Now vote to decide to proceed w debate or not pic.twitter.com/dVDcFNBdx6

— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) January 23, 2024

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