Resolution to remove IGP: Resolution passed, four Opp MPs vote with govt.

The Parliament yesterday approved a Resolution to appoint a Committee of Inquiry (CoI) in terms of Section 5 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002, to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from office.

The parliament announced 151 votes were received in favour of the Resolution and was passed without debate. Three opposition MPs R. Ramanathan Archuna, Nizam Kariyappar, Mujibur Rahuman and Ajith P Perera voted with the government.

The Resolution moved by NPP MP Lalkmali Hemachandra aims to appoint the CoI to investigate charges of misconduct and gross abuse of power of his office.

NPP MP Gayan Janaka seconded the motion.

SLMC MP Nizam Kariyappar said that the motion carrying the resolution should better be amended citing the Standing Order 91 (F) stating that the matter of Tennakoon was sub judice.

Deputy Speaker Dr. Mohamed Rizvie Salih said that the matter does not arise as per the agreements reached by the party leaders.

Chief Government Whip Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa called for a division on the resolution.

By Saman Indrajith