Colombo – The Supreme Court has set September 13 as the date to hear an intervening petition seeking to lift the interim injunction that currently prevents Deshabandu Tennakoon from serving as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The petition was brought before a three-judge bench consisting of Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Janak De Silva, and Arjuna Obeysekara today (06), with the court ordering the confirmation of facts on the mentioned date.
This petition was filed by Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Dhammaratana Thero and two other Buddhist monks, challenging the court’s previous order from July 24, which temporarily halted Tennakoon’s duties as the IGP. The order followed the acceptance of nine petitions, including one filed by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, disputing Tennakoon’s appointment.
The court had also directed President Wickremesinghe to nominate a suitable candidate to serve as IGP during the enforcement of the interim order. However, with the upcoming Presidential Election, the President has been advised by his legal team that frequent acting appointments could potentially expose him to election-related legal challenges. As a result, he has chosen to refrain from intervening in this matter further.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressed the issue in Parliament, explaining that the President is currently without legal authority to appoint an Acting IGP and that the position of IGP remains occupied. He further asserted that the appointment made by the Constitutional Council remains legally valid and any resolution regarding the matter must come from the courts.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, reaffirming that the IGP’s appointment was correct, constitutional, and made in good faith, leaving the matter in the hands of the judiciary for resolution.
