Former Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksa has addressed concerns regarding the parliamentary motion submitted by a group of MPs from the Malamata Party, seeking the removal of suspended and remanded Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.
Speaking at a meeting, Rajapaksa emphasized that a Supreme Court order has already been issued regarding Tennakoon’s appointment. He argued that by accepting the motion, the Speaker is undermining the authority of Parliament.
“The issue at hand is that the former President appointed Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon as the IGP, with the claim that the appointment had received the Constitutional Council’s approval. However, the Supreme Court, through an interim order, has ruled that his appointment is invalid. This means that, according to the court’s ruling, Mr. Tennakoon is not the IGP. Despite this, MPs have submitted a motion to remove him from the position,” Rajapaksa stated.
He further explained that under Act No. 5 of 2002, such a motion can only be brought against a serving IGP. “Since the Supreme Court has already determined that Mr. Tennakoon is not the IGP, the Speaker’s acceptance of this motion is a violation of the Constitution and the provisions outlined in the Removal of High Officials Act No. 5 of 2002.”
Rajapaksa also highlighted the legal procedures required for investigating corruption allegations against an IGP. “If an inquiry into these allegations is necessary, a dedicated committee should be appointed, chaired by a Supreme Court judge. The Supreme Court has already ruled that Mr. Tennakoon is not the IGP. Yet, while this ruling stands, an investigation is being pursued to determine whether he should be removed from office. This process significantly undermines the authority of Parliament, particularly by the Speaker, as the proposed action lacks any legal validity.”
