Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said the government is currently following the provisions under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, to remove suspended Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon.
Under the act, a proposal seeking the removal of the IGP must be endorsed by more than 75 members of Parliament. Jayathissa explained that a proposal signed by 115 MPs has already been handed over to the Speaker.
On Tuesday, a motion to remove Tennakoon was submitted by a group of National People’s Power (NPP) lawmakers, outlining 27 corruption allegations against the police chief. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has endorsed the move, stating the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will fully support it.
Minister Jayathissa said the government is confident the motion will be passed in Parliament.
Explaining the constitutional provisions for removing an Inspector General of Police, Minister Jayathissa said the proposal must be taken up during the next parliamentary sitting, scheduled for April 8 or 9, and adopted by a majority.
Concurrently, an investigation committee must be appointed to deliberate on the removal. The committee is primarily nominated by the Chief Justice and includes a sitting Supreme Court judge, the chairman of the National Police Commission, and a senior administrative official.
Following the committee’s inquiry, a report must be submitted to the Speaker and approved by Parliament.
Addressing concerns over ongoing court proceedings, Jayathissa said the parliamentary process would not hinder the legal case concerning Tennakoon’s appointment.
“All allegations will be investigated,” he said, noting the urgency of the matter and the need to expedite the process.
“There are claims that he received salaries from other institutions while serving in the state, and questions have been raised about a distillery at his residence. The Criminal Investigation Department will look into these matters.”
Jayathissa also said the suspended police chief’s travel history would also be investigated, though details may not be disclosed to the media.
“Investigations are underway, and there is no reason for fear. There are no elites— the law will be applied equally to all,” he added. (Newswire)
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