Sri Lanka’s Parliament made history by voting to remove suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, marking the first impeachment of a police chief in the nation’s 159-year history. Following an intense day-long debate, 177 MPs voted in favor of his dismissal, with one abstention, under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act of 2002. The decision underscores a significant push for accountability within Sri Lanka’s law enforcement leadership.

Tennakoon, appointed IGP in November 2023, faced 23 charges of misconduct, with a parliamentary committee finding him guilty of 19, including serious abuse of power and procedural violations. The investigation began in March when 115 MPs signed a motion for his removal, prompted by concerns over his leadership. In April, a dedicated parliamentary committee was formed to probe allegations of misuse of authority. The inquiry, concluded last month, recommended his dismissal due to the severity of his actions.

The Supreme Court had suspended Tennakoon in July 2024, questioning the legality of his appointment. This followed an earlier court ruling that found him guilty of torturing a suspect in custody, a case that had already tarnished his reputation. His tenure was marked by controversy, with critics arguing his actions undermined public trust in the police force.

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Backed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government, Tennakoon’s removal signals a broader commitment to reforming Sri Lanka’s institutions and addressing systemic issues within the police. The historic impeachment sets a precedent for holding high-ranking officials accountable, potentially reshaping public expectations for law enforcement integrity.

As the nation moves forward, attention now turns to the appointment of a new IGP and the reforms needed to restore confidence in the police force.

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