Verbal clash during probe on Deshabandu

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

A verbal clash erupted during the meeting of the special committee, which is probing the alleged allegations against IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon yesterday with both relevant parties accusing each other of misconduct.   

Heated arguments erupted when IGP Tennakoon’s counsel Sanjeewa Weerawickrama accused Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris of calling his client an underworld figure.   

“My learned friend is calling my client an underworld figure and a murderer. Is my client such a murderer?” Mr. Weerawickrama asked.   

“He is worse than an underworld figure “ Mr. Peeris responded.   

Mr. Tennakoon, who sounded annoyed by this remark, became aggressive. “I have many things to say about your conduct, but I will not comment on it now,” he therefore said.   

Earlier Mr. Peeris alleged that there is a suspicion that Mr. Tennakoon’s personal security is suspect been subjected to forced security.   

“It is a false accusation,” Mr. Weerawickrama said.   

“The Additional Solicitor General is using rather loose language,” Mr. Tennakoon, who joined in the argument, said.   

Committee Chairman Supreme Court Judge Preethi Padman Surasena, who responded, requested both parties not to engage in unnecessary arguments.   

Meanwhile, the Copies of the affidavits of all witnesses were handed over to Mr. Weerawickrama to study and file answers.