Various views were expressed during the parliamentary session yesterday (21) regarding the suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
Several allegations and facts were presented concerning his conduct and the legal actions taken against him.
During the session, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Dayasiri Jayasekara raised serious allegations about the government’s handling of the incident.
He stated that Tennakoon reportedly surrendered because of attempts to seize his property.
“When he surrendered, Dileepa Peiris said that this police chief does not even have the right to vote. His name is not registered. He does not even have a bicycle in his name. The Deputy Solicitor General says he is a ghost. Who protected him for so long? Now, Minister Watagala had earlier said that they know the whereabouts of the police chief and that he will be arrested at the right time.
This is the first time that a Solicitor General has said that he will not appear in this case again due to security reasons. His juniors will handle the case. Now the law is in place like this,” MP Jayasekara said.
Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, responded by stating that the law has been properly enforced.
He stressed that the legal proceedings against Tennakoon were conducted according to the Criminal Procedure Code and denied claims that Tennakoon’s whereabouts were previously known.
Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti also contributed to the debate, urging members of the House to refrain from recording certain sensitive information in Hansard, due to the potential impact it could have.
Reiterating his commitment to transparency, MP Jayasekara said he would submit his evidence for Parliament’s consideration.
Minister Handunnetti challenged the opposition’s position, questioning their previous support for Tennakoon and their current criticism.
The session highlighted the deep divisions and ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition over the handling of Tennakoon’s case.
The issue has already had a significant impact on the political landscape and public confidence in the legal system.
Minister Handunnetti addressed the issue again after several days, questioning those who criticized Tennakoon’s arrest.
He pointed out that many of the critics had previously held ministerial positions and supported the government when Tennakoon was in power.
Handunnetti emphasized that such open criticism would not have been possible under a Rajapaksa administration, where officials would have been too afraid to speak out.
He highlighted the current government’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that officials can speak freely without fear.
He also criticized the opposition’s dramatic behavior in Parliament, suggesting that their actions were aimed more at gaining media attention than genuine concern.
The minister recalled how, in previous parliaments, the presence of senior members of the Rajapaksa family intimidated fellow members.
He noted that opposition members are speaking boldly today because of the humility and openness of the current administration.
