Suspended Inspector General of Police Deshabandhu Tennakoon is reportedly preparing to enter the political arena by contesting the upcoming general election from the Kurunegala district, according to a weekend national newspaper.
His anticipated transition from law enforcement to frontline politics comes as Parliament prepares to vote on a motion to officially remove him from office on the fifth of this month.
Tennakoon’s entry into politics could mark one of the most dramatic pivots in recent Sri Lankan public life. A once-powerful figure in uniform, now turning toward electoral politics, raises questions about accountability, power, and public trust. His decision to contest from Kurunegala, a district known for producing political heavyweights signals his intent to remain a key player in national affairs.
While critics may view his candidacy as an escape from scandal, allies claim it reflects a deeper desire to “serve the people” from a new platform. Either way, his presence in the race is likely to add intensity and controversy to what is shaping up to be a hotly contested election season.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Deshabandhu’s calculated leap from police chief to political candidate earns him public redemption or rejection.
