The Commission to Investigate Allegation of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has begun a probe on the assets of suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.
The investigation began following the discovery of a large stock of foreign liquor, hampers filled with gifts and various food items during a search of Mr Tennankoon’s Hokandara residence.
The Sunday Times understands that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has also launched a probe to look into whether the suspended IGP had committed any offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in acquiring assets.
It is alleged that several assets Mr. Tennakoon has accumulated have not been registered in his name. The probe will focus on whether he had obtained assets using other people as cover.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, meanwhile, told the Sunday Times that the government intends to file legal action against Mr. Tennakoon for dereliction of duty during the ‘Aragalaya’ period.
The Bribery Commission’s investigation into Mr. Tennakoon has been launched on the basis of submissions presented by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, PC, in the case over the 2023 Weligama shooting incident, in which an officer from the Colombo Crimes Division was killed. He opposed bail being granted to the suspended IGP after Mr. Tennakoon surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
Mr. Tennakkon has been remanded till April 3.
While Mr Tennakoon has been suspended from functioning in his duties as the IGP by the Supreme Court since July last year and he is technically still the IGP, Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya serves as Acting IGP.
The National Police Commission too does not have the power to interdict the IGP. Since the IGP is appointed by the Constitutional Council (CC) on the recommendation of the President, taking disciplinary action against him falls on the President and the CC. Removal of the IGP, however, will require an impeachment motion to be presented to Parliament.
(sundaytimes.lk)
(This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
