15 witnesses to testify for Deshabandu in misconduct inquiry

Colombo, June 19 (Daily Mirror) - The inquiry committee appointed to investigate alleged misconduct and abuse of power by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon convened for the fourth consecutive day today, under the chairmanship of Supreme Court Justice P.P. Surasena, with Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and National Police Commission Chairman E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake serving as members.

So far, 28 prosecution witnesses have testified before the committee, including seven who appeared today. The committee has also granted permission for two additional witnesses to give evidence after June 26, as they are currently abroad on official duty.

Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, informed the committee that the two witnesses are scheduled to return to the country on June 26. With the consent of Attorney-at-Law R.S. Weerawickrama, counsel for the respondent IGP, the committee approved the scheduling of their testimony and cross-examination for the following day.

Although proceedings were initially expected to continue tomorrow, Weerawickrama requested time until Monday, June 23, to prepare the IGP’s defense. The committee, with agreement from the Attorney General’s representatives, accepted this request.

Accordingly, the committee will reconvene on Monday, June 23, and continue hearings through Wednesday, June 25, during which 15 witnesses from the IGP’s side are expected to testify. The committee will then meet again on Thursday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. to continue proceedings.