News Today: Supreme Court Schedules IGP Appointment Hearings for May 2025

Nine Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions challenging the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have been scheduled for argument before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The court has set May 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2025, as the hearing dates for these crucial cases.

Supreme Court’s Five-Judge Bench to Decide on IGP Appointment

The petitions will be reviewed by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of:
✅ Justice Preethi Padman Surasena
✅ Justice Yasantha Kodagoda
✅ Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz
✅ Justice Shiran Goonaratne
✅ Justice Achala Wengappuli

The court’s decision on these petitions could have significant implications for the leadership of the Sri Lanka Police and the protection of constitutional rights.

Legal Challenge Over IGP Appointment

The petitions claim that Deshabandu Tennakoon’s appointment as IGP violates fundamental rights, raising serious concerns about procedural fairness and eligibility criteria. Petitioners have argued that his appointment was made despite ongoing legal and disciplinary concerns, leading to a constitutional dispute regarding transparency and governance.

This legal battle underscores the importance of judicial oversight in key government appointments, particularly in law enforcement leadership.

Broader Implications for Public Trust and Governance

The case has drawn widespread public and political attention, with activists, opposition parties, and legal experts closely monitoring the proceedings. The Supreme Court’s ruling could set a critical precedent for future high-level government appointments, ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law in Sri Lanka.

With growing concerns over police leadership and governance, the outcome of these hearings will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s legal and administrative landscape.