Why was Deshabandu appointed as ’Acting’ IGP?

30 November 2023 08:39 am - 25 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Nov.30 (Daily Mirror) - President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday appointed Senior DIG Deshabandu Thennakoon as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) after months of speculation as to who would get the seat.

The appointment has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising Thennakoon's experience and expertise saying it will be valuable in leading the police force and implementing strategies to curb crime, while others have expressed concerns about his alleged ties to the former Rajapaksa regime, questioning his impartiality.

The President has appointed Thennakoon as the acting IGP for a period of three months after C.D. Wickramaratne retired as the IGP after a number of extensions.

Several factors may have influenced President Wickremesinghe's decision to appoint Thennakoon as the acting IGP. One possibility is that he is seeking to test Thennakoon's capabilities and potential as the permanent IGP.

Another possibility is that the President is under pressure to appoint an IGP, especially after facing criticism for repeatedly extending the service of the former IGP, C.D. Wickramaratne

However, Thennakoon's alleged ties to the Rajapaksa regime have raised concerns about his impartiality. Some believe that his appointment could be a way for the Rajapaksa family to regain influence over the police force. They fear that Thennakoon may be more inclined to protect the interests of the Rajapaksas than to uphold the law impartially.

In 2022, the Attorney General informed then IGP Chandana Wickramaratne to name Deshabandu Tennakoon as a suspect in the case regarding the violence at Galle Face on May 9, 2021.

However, the Court of Appeal later ordered the dismissal of a writ petition filed against Thennakoon accusing him of assaulting protestors near Galle Face during the “Gota Go Gama” protests.

Despite these concerns, Thennakoon has also been praised for his professionalism and integrity. He is known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to upholding the law.

During his 25 years of service in Sri Lanka Police, Thennakoon has served in multiple areas of the country. He has rendered notable service to crack down on crimes and narcotics and implement a number of programmes in the Western Province to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic situation.

He said he will give priority to safeguarding national security and to crack down on drugs and organized crimes in the country.

Thennakoon concurrently chaired a committee assigned by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles to examine and propose measures for tackling drug and underworld activities. He previously pledged to effectively address organized crime nationwide within the next six months

Deshabandu reveals his plans

Addressing the media after seeking blessings at the Gangaramaya Temple yesterday, the newly appointed acting IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon told reporters that everyone would soon witness how he operates as the police chief.

Q. How do you expect to work for the people and the country in your new position?

A. I have held various positions in the police service for 25 years. So, I have experience. I will take foward the police service for the betterment of the people of Sri Lanka.

Q. Drugs and crimes are on the rise these days. What will be your action plan to adress those issues?

A. My top most priority is to safeguard national security. My second priority is to wipe out drugs.Drugs has been a huge issue in villages and school children today.I have an action plan on that.I hope to put that into practice. And also,I am planning to take action on the threat of organized crimes and extortion's.

Q. Various people have a perception that you are biased to a particular political party and acting to satisfy their whims and fancies?

A. When I served in the Western Province, both the public seeking my services and the officers alongside me are aware of how I functioned without being influenced by political motives. You can see that I am not a person of that sort through my actions.

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Comments - 25

Dulan de Silva Thursday, 30 November 2023 09:06 AM

Picture of him walking towards Galle Face leaving Temple Trees and talking with MP Nishantha who was with a pole to assault Aragalaya is vivid in mý mind.

Nimal Thursday, 30 November 2023 09:10 AM

The worst choice ever as the IGP of Sri Lanka, even in an acting capacity. This guy is a boot-licker and nothing else. However, even this appointment which the pin president was trapped to make under the circumstances epitomizes the sad fate of almost all the state institutions of the country that have become havens for political appointees causing untold destruction to the nation. Sri Lanka is certainly doomed.

Sokrates Thursday, 30 November 2023 09:13 AM

A man who has previously abused his power is, for political reasons, elevated to a position that guarantees him infinite power. A crook and criminal who has mercilessly violated human rights, who has tortured people, who is himself involved in crimes, who has mistreated subordinates and has no ethics whatsoever should be the best choice for the highest office in the Sri Lanka Police? What a corrupt and degenerate country Sri Lanka has become.

Banda Thursday, 30 November 2023 09:26 AM

Going to Kade without saying I am on shopping. “Good try”

Voter Thursday, 30 November 2023 09:50 AM

A single bee is ignored. But when millions come together, even the bravest run in fear....the one thing government fears is the day we stand together...

Truth Thursday, 30 November 2023 10:57 AM

Now we wouldn't be able to stand together....remember 9th May....

Jude Thursday, 30 November 2023 09:52 AM

In the recent memory all appointed IGP's are political henchmen!! And that's the primary qualification to become IGP, yeah.

Jude Thursday, 30 November 2023 09:54 AM

High time we appoint a woman as IGP and it's Long overdue, yeah.

Spineless president Thursday, 30 November 2023 10:24 AM

This is typical subservient Ranil taking orders from his masters the rajapaksas.

Jega Thursday, 30 November 2023 10:43 AM

Although this man has many shortcomings he is a fearless person who can deal with the underworld and eliminate the indiscipline in the police service. You need powerful people for the top posts in police or army. What is the point in appointing a backboneless guy as an IGP? We have to wait and see how he would perform as an IGP.

Chrishain Jayalath Friday, 01 December 2023 09:30 PM

DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA, you should start working for Derana or Hiru.

Hector the Actor Thursday, 30 November 2023 11:01 AM

Definitely, has to be “acting”. We are so full of actors and talkers.

Aquarius Thursday, 30 November 2023 11:43 AM

This appointment is obvious - to protect the Rajapakse clan and their associates. The underworld and the mafias must be celebrating as their political connections are pretty much assured. This is law and order in our paradise.

Ahamed Thursday, 30 November 2023 12:12 PM

Loyal to RW

NV Jen Thursday, 30 November 2023 12:41 PM

This is the true face of Ranil. Unworthy people are appointed as ministers, higher officials and heads, at the behest of his employers -the Rajapakses. Such cronyism has only brought down this country to bankrupcy, while the talented ones are migrating. Interests of the nation takes the backseat as usual.

Wiraj Thursday, 30 November 2023 12:46 PM

Can anyone take Ranil seriously when such a derided man is appointed as IGP? Developed nation by 2048, no way. It's status quo dear countrymen.

Amal Fernando Thursday, 30 November 2023 01:16 PM

Another dictatorial decision for their own survival. We should be patient till October 2024 until our votes speak to this dumb leaders

dana Thursday, 30 November 2023 01:35 PM

How he would react to public protests would be indicate his permanency in new post

L de Silva Thursday, 30 November 2023 02:34 PM

Kudos to DM for writing an impartial article! Apart from all the gossip that surrounds the man, it's refreshing to read what is primarily the good, the bad and the ugly! (As if any man in this country or for that matter anywhere in the world is guiltless of sin). What we need is an IGP that can get the work done! Considering the number opponents h has mainly those whom have their own hidden agendas, it will not be an easy task! Good luck to the acting IGP, nevertheless. The ordinary citizens expect you to deliver. Hats off to the President for ensuring that procedures governing the Civil Service, still prevails when it comes to government positions.

Ram Thursday, 30 November 2023 03:45 PM

This man was at Galle Face when MR supporters attacked aragalaya participants with poles without involving his men to stop the violence. Thereafter only the bigger damage followed. That is dereliction of duty and he got slapped by a stranger

DHARMATILEKE Thursday, 30 November 2023 04:53 PM

Both are “jack of all trades master of none” so RW thought this guy fits well in to my shoes.

Sapumal Thursday, 30 November 2023 06:54 PM

No. What ever reason it is. We as people will not accept his appointment. Remove him or face the consequences. Police or politicians cannot be above the souring rights of the people.

Ismet Zaheed Thursday, 30 November 2023 07:00 PM

Ranil Rajapakse is there to serve and protect. He has indirectly appointed Deshabandu in accordance with HMV (His Master's Voice)....over to our grass eating voters!

Sambo Thursday, 30 November 2023 08:17 PM

He only follows the directions of corrupt politicians. His profile is very dark. Not suitable for the post he holds and is also inexperienced.

Buddhist Thursday, 30 November 2023 10:01 PM

When the citizens of the country do not trust in this acting IGP why should they not stop going for work until he is removed?

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Why was Deshabandu appointed as ’Acting’ IGP?

Comments - 25

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