News

IGP Deshabandu removed through a House resolution

Published

8 months ago

2025/08/6

Deshabandu

Parliament yesterday (05) passed a resolution to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from office, marking the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that a sitting police chief has been ousted through a parliamentary vote.

The motion, brought under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, received overwhelming support, with the ruling party, the main Opposition SJB, the NPP, and others, voting in favour. Altogether 177 MPs voted for the resolution, none voted against, while Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanadan Archuna abstained.

The motion was presented to the House by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, with Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala opening the debate on behalf of the government. Wijepala described Tennakoon as “the most disgraceful person to hold the office of IGP” and cited findings from a three-member committee that found him guilty of serious misconduct and abuse of power.

The vote was taken at 4:00 p.m., with all government MPs instructed to be present. Under the law, a simple majority (113 votes) is required to remove an officer under this procedure.

With the resolution passed, the President is expected to propose a successor to the Constitutional Council for appointment as the next IGP.

The decision follows a July 22 report by the special Committee of Inquiry appointed by the Constitutional Council, which unanimously found Tennakoon guilty under Section 8(2) of the Removal of Officers Act. Speaker Wickramaratne described the development as a constitutional milestone and ordered the Committee’s findings to be tabled in Parliament.

Tennakoon had been suspended by the Supreme Court in July 2023 and is currently out on bail over a shooting incident in Weligama. He was first named acting IGP in November 2023 and confirmed in the position in February this year, despite criticism from several quarters.

The SJB, which had legally challenged Tennakoon’s appointment, reiterated its opposition yesterday. MP Mujibur Rahuman told the House the party backed the motion “to remove Deshabandu,” aligning with its longstanding call for police accountability. Party leader Sajith Premadasa had earlier condemned the appointment as unconstitutional and held both President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Speaker responsible.

Tensions flared in the House when SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa questioned the legality of debating the motion, citing Standing Order 98F, which bars Parliament from discussing matters under judicial consideration. He pointed out that nine related cases were pending before the Supreme Court.

Speaker Wickramaratne countered that the motion had been scheduled in accordance with legal provisions and parliamentary procedure. When Rajapaksa persisted, the Speaker ruled him out of order and instructed him to yield the floor.

The resolution was based on the Committee’s damning assessment that Tennakoon is unfit to hold any position within the police service, citing criminal complicity, abuse of authority, and grave professional misconduct.

By Saman Indrajith

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)