News Today: Former IGP to Appear Before Power Inquiry Committee

Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandhu Tennakoon is set to appear before the Committee of Inquiry today, marking a significant moment in the high-profile investigation into alleged misconduct during his tenure. The committee was appointed to probe gross abuse of power by the former police chief.

Meeting on several prior occasions at Parliament premises, the Committee has now formally summoned the suspended IGP Tennakoon for questioning in future investigations.

This three-member Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Supreme Court Judge Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, includes Justice Neil Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman Lalith Ekanayake (ex-officio). The body was constituted following a Resolution passed in Parliament on April 8, 2025, under Section 5 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002. The resolution seeks to remove Tennakoon from office on the grounds of misconduct and gross abuse of power, citing Sections 3(d), 3(e), and 5 of the Act.

To further support the inquiry, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya has appointed a four-member police investigation team, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). This appointment was in direct response to a formal request from the Committee seeking investigative support.