Scandal in Sri Lankan Police: MPs Call for Removal of Top Cop

Over a hundred MPs from the ruling NPP coalition have petitioned the Parliament Speaker for the removal of suspended police chief Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is in custody for a shooting incident in 2023. Tennakoon's role in a botched police operation and a past misconduct ruling have fueled this demand.

In a dramatic political move, over one hundred lawmakers from the National People's Power coalition appealed to the Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker, urging the removal of their top police official. The controversial inspector general, Deshabandu Tennakoon, finds himself in the midst of a legal battle following a violent mishap involving his officers.

Tennakoon, currently in a central provincial jail, faces charges related to a December 2023 shooting in Weligama. His attempt to have his forces raid a suspected drug-linked resort resulted in an undercover officer's death, turning a critical operation into a public relations disaster for police authorities.

Suspended by the Supreme Court in mid-2024, Tennakoon's controversial past, including a conviction for torture, has stirred political ripples. The Parliament must now decide whether to uphold the motion for his removal, as mandated by a majority decision and a judicial committee's recommendation.

(With inputs from agencies.)