Attack on Galle Face protesters: AG to frame charges against Deshabandu

 By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Attorney General’s Department yesterday informed the Supreme Court that the Attorney General is expected to file indictments against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon over his alleged failure to prevent the attacks on protesters at Galle Face on May 9, 2022.   

Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing for the Attorney General, informed Court that indictments against Deshabandu Tennakoon are expected to be filed within one month.    These facts transpired when an Appeal filed by the Attorney General, challenging the Court of Appeal ruling that quashed a communication issued by the Attorney General directing the Police to name Deshabandu Tennakoon as a suspect in connection with the Galle Face incident, was taken up before the Supreme Court.   

The three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Wijeratne, fixed the Appeal for September 2.   

The Supreme Court had earlier issued an interim order staying the operation of a Court of Appeal ruling that had quashed a communication issued by the Attorney General to the Police, directing them to name Deshabandu Tennakoon as a suspect.   

Romesh de Silva (PC) with Sugath Caldera appeared for Deshbandu Tennakoon.