Removal of an IGP, a first for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is in the process of witnessing the removal of an Inspector General of Police (IGP).

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The decision to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon came about when he was found guilty of serious allegations by a constitutionally appointed Committee of Inquiry, setting the stage for an unprecedented parliamentary vote on his removal. According to Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, “this is 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”.

A resolution to appoint the Committee of Inquiry for the removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon from his position as IGP due to alleged misconduct and abuse of power was passed in Parliament on April 08. The Committee, comprising Supreme Court Justice Padman Surasena (Chairman), Court of Appeal Justice Neil Iddawala, and National Police Commission Chairman Lalith Ekanayake, unanimously concluded that the IGP was guilty as charged under Section 8.2 of the Act. The findings, announced by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, were revealed following a thorough investigation conducted under the Removal of Officers Procedure Act No. 5 of 2002.