Deshabandu: Ghost Police Chief or Political Pawn?

COLOMBO (News 1st); The ongoing controversy involving Sri Lanka's suspended Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakoon was a focal point in today's (21) parliamentary session. 

The debate highlighted various allegations and concerns regarding his conduct and the legal proceedings against him.

During the session, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya raised serious allegations over government's handling of the situation, and also mentioned that attempts were made to seize Tennakoon's property, which led to his surrender.

"When he surrendered, Dileepa Peiris said this Police Chief doesn't even have the right to vote. His name isn't registered. He doesn't even have a bicycle to his name. The Deputy Solicitor General says he's a ghost. Who protected him all this time? Now, Minister Watagala earlier said they knew where the Police Chief was and will arrest him in due time. For the first time, the Solicitor General says that he won't appear in this case again due to security concerns. So, his juniors will handle it. This is where the law stands," said MP Jayasekera.

Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security, responded by asserting that the law had been enforced appropriately. 

He emphasized that the legal proceedings against Tennakoon were conducted in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code and denied any claims of knowing Tennakoon's whereabouts.

Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development, Sunil Handunnetti, also contributed to the debate, urging members to refrain from recording certain information in Hansard. He highlighted the sensitivity of the information and its potential implications.

Jayasekara reiterated his commitment to transparency, stating that he would present his evidence for parliamentary consideration.

Handunnetti, in turn, challenged the opposition's stance, questioning their previous support for Tennakoon and their current criticisms.

The session underscored the deep divisions and ongoing tensions within the government and opposition regarding the handling of Tennakoon's case. The controversy continues to unfold, with significant implications for the political landscape and public trust in the legal system.

Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development, Sunil Handunnetti, addressed the issue, challenging those who question why Tennakoon was arrested after many days. He pointed out that many of these critics previously held ministerial positions and supported the government while Tennakoon was in power. Handunnetti emphasized that during the Rajapaksa administration, such open criticism would not have been possible, and officials would have been too afraid to speak out.

Handunnetti highlighted the current government's commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that officials can speak freely without fear. He criticized the opposition for their dramatic behavior in Parliament, suggesting that their actions were more about media attention than genuine concern.

The minister also recalled how, in previous parliaments, members were intimidated by the presence of senior Rajapaksa family members. He noted that today, opposition members speak boldly because of the humility and openness of the current administration.