The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I too see this as a historic moment. We are proceeding lawfully, within an accepted framework, to remove this officer; yet those who once brought the then Chief Justice into this very Parliament and unlawfully prosecuted an impeachment now point fingers at us. It is proven that they violated the Constitution then. Their keenness now to protect this corrupt, fraudulent and cruel officer tells its own story—and the answer will come in due course.

¶ 02 There was talk about “Siddhalepa,” ridiculed as if baseless. Let me begin with this quotation: “The Supreme Court found that Tennakoon had beaten the petitioner with a ‘three-wheel rubber band’ after stripping him naked and ordering him to rub Siddhalepa on his genitalia.” I believe Members understand this. This man is a cruel individual. In the past there were “kangaroo courts,” but now we are striving to put things in order, even if time has passed. We consistently said: do not appoint this person as IGP. The previous IGP was called the “reload IGP,” as his tenure was extended to make way for Tennakoon amidst public opposition and allegations of violations. That is the person we discuss today. This removal is taking place within a democratic framework; we ask all to support it.

¶ 03 Let me address several events. First, the brutal attacks on peaceful protestors at Galle Face. Reviewing the video evidence, it is clear the then Western Province Senior DIG, Deshbandu Tennakoon, was present and made no effort to prevent those events. That is the chain of causation by which the situation spread nationwide.

¶ 04 Next, the attack on the Weligama W15 Hotel. The then Additional Solicitor General recorded: “This suspect is no less than an organized criminal, second only to figures like ‘Makandure Madush’ and ‘Harak Kata’. He is a master actor, evading arrest, hiding his identity, only appearing when cornered.” Numerous allegations exist across multiple incidents, and I have specific evidence to present.

¶ 05 We all know of “Operation Yuktīya.” Our Government genuinely seeks to provide redress to those wronged. Over 30,000 youths were arrested at that time, many without proper warrants. Officers have told us lists were sent and people were arrested accordingly. Many who had never been involved in such activities were detained, and later even struggled to obtain police clearance. Officers like this must be held accountable.

¶ 06 Let me table statements. The CID Director, Prasanna Alwis, stated: “Case files involving sensitive subjects were routinely delayed or buried. We were asked not to proceed on files unless approved through unofficial channels. There were clear political interests in suppressing some investigations, especially those linked to the 2022 protest events. The chain of command was frequently bypassed or manipulated.” Similarly, ASP Waruni Bogahawatta’s statement titled “Internal pressure and suppression” says: “I was specifically instructed through verbal communications from senior officers to refrain from pursuing legal action against politically affiliated individuals. When I questioned the legality of such instructions, I was warned about potential transfers. I stood my ground. I witnessed how certain investigations were stopped halfway or redirected under unofficial orders. It was a culture of fear.” Under this individual, officers were pressured; those who tried to act lawfully faced threats.

¶ 07 We are introducing a new political culture. We love our Police and do not exert pressure. For example, in my eight months as Deputy Minister, I have paid traffic fines twice—if my driver errs, I tell him to pay. This is the culture we seek to spread. Unfortunately, some officers aligned themselves with politicians and are now facing the law: the IGP, the Prisons Commissioner-General, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, among others. Political interference was long-standing; now this culture is changing.

¶ 08 Let me be clear: this is not against all officers or the entire Executive. The vast majority are honest. We rely on the Police first in floods, traffic, crime or any emergency. The actions of a small number of wrongdoers affect the whole service; such individuals must be removed.

¶ 09 Finally, during a raid, over 1,000 bottles of foreign liquor were seized from a house. That is not normal—either bribes or illegal liquor trafficking. Many charges against this individual are already proven. Therefore, we are firmly committed to supporting his removal.

¶ 10 Thank you for the time.