In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court today issued an interim order restraining Deshabandu Tennakoon from performing his duties as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This order is set to remain in effect pending the final determination of nine Fundamental Rights Applications challenging his appointment to the position.
The court’s decision was delivered by a three-judge bench comprising Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, Justice Achala Wengappuli, and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena. The bench considered the Fundamental Rights petitions challenging Tennakoon’s appointment before issuing the interim order.
In addition to the interim order, the court granted leave to proceed with the petitions. The petitioners are represented by an array of legal experts, including Geoffrey Alagaratnam PC, Upul Jayasuriya PC, Shamil Perera PC, Saliya Pieris PC, Viran Corea PC, Senior Counsel Suren Fernando, Lakshan Dias, Thishya Weragoda, and Vinura Kularatne. IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon’s defence is being handled by Romesh de Silva PC, while Senior Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle represents the Attorney General’s office.
