CPA challenges appointment of IGP

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has lodged a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the legality of Deshabandu Tennakoon’s appointment as Inspector General of Police (IGP).

In a statement, CPA Executive Director Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu announced that the petition was filed against the presidential appointment of Tennakoon, citing constitutional violations.

According to CPA, Article 41C of the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka mandates that such appointments by the President require approval from the Constitutional Council, with a minimum of five votes in favour (as per Article 41E). Allegations from the Leader of the Opposition, a Council member, suggest that the IGP appointment did not receive the necessary approval.

The petitioner argues that Tennakoon’s appointment is unconstitutional, citing his unsuitability for the role due to a previous Supreme Court ruling. In a fundamental rights case (SC (FR) 107/2011), Tennakoon was found to have engaged in torture, violating several constitutional articles.

CPA contends that appointing Tennakoon as IGP would contravene Article 12(1) of the Constitution, as it is arbitrary, grossly unreasonable, and undermines public trust.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed Tennakoon as the 36th IGP on February 26, following clearance from the Constitutional Council. This decision came despite Tennakoon and three other police officers being directed by the Supreme Court to compensate two million rupees in a fundamental rights case the previous year.

On December 14, the Supreme Court had ordered Tennakoon, then Acting IGP, and three other officials to each pay a compensation of 500,000 rupees for violating an individual’s fundamental rights.