News Today: Bribery Investigation into Former IGP Tennakoon’s Assets

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has launched an investigation into the assets of suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon. The probe was initiated after a significant stock of foreign liquor, hampers filled with gifts, and various food items were discovered at Tennakoon’s Hokandara residence.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is also investigating whether Tennakoon committed any offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act related to his assets. It has been alleged that several assets accumulated by Tennakoon are not registered in his name, leading investigators to question whether he used others to conceal his ownership.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala shared with Legacy Daily that legal action will be pursued against Tennakoon for dereliction of duty during the ‘Aragalaya’ period, a key political protest movement. The investigation stems from submissions presented by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, PC, in the 2023 Weligama shooting incident case. Tennakoon had surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court and was remanded until April 3rd.

Although Tennakoon has been suspended from his IGP duties since July last year, he remains technically the IGP, with Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya serving as Acting IGP. The National Police Commission lacks the authority to interdict the IGP, and removal requires an impeachment motion in Parliament, as the IGP is appointed by the Constitutional Council on the President’s recommendation.