The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, we are debating the motion to remove T.M.W. Deshbandu Tennakoon from the post of IGP, based on the final report of the Committee appointed under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, No. 5 of 2002 to inquire into the charges. We were given a 206-page report with evidence and records, which we have read.

¶ 02 If someone has done wrong, regardless of rank, the Government has now decided to act. The Minister in charge of Police and the Minister of Justice spoke, summarizing the report’s key matters.

¶ 03 This is the first time in our political history that such a decision is being taken in Parliament—indeed historic. In my 25 years here, I have not seen such a removal process; it is a new experience. The past and present affect the future. From 21 September this year, you have four more years of power; through this you are sending a good message to officers: stand upright; do not bend to political ends. If under a past government they took partisan decisions, they are now paying the price.

¶ 04 We cannot blame the entire Police. When one officer errs, people attack the whole institution. That is not right. There are many good, educated, service-minded officers. The same is true across the state sector—about 1.7 million in service. Among them are very capable officers. But those in authority must take responsibility to guide them. If officers become fearful, or act only on discretion without proper basis, over time—even with good intentions—things can go wrong, and the officers themselves will face consequences later. This is the first time. Governments are uncertain—what is true today may not be tomorrow; governments can change overnight or endure longer—that is the people’s mandate.