The Lawyers' Collective, a prominent legal advocacy group in Sri Lanka, has voiced apprehensions regarding the recent appointment of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP). The move has raised eyebrows due to several pending cases against Tennakoon, prompting legal experts to question the decision's propriety.

Former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Upul Jayasuriya PC led the charge in expressing concern during a media conference organized by the Lawyers' Collective in Colombo on Saturday (16). Jayasuriya questioned the Constitutional Council's approval of Tennakoon's appointment, particularly in light of an ongoing case before the Supreme Court involving allegations of torture against the newly appointed Acting IGP.

Highlighting the significance of the issue, Jayasuriya pointed out that Tennakoon has pending cases, including the one before the Supreme Court where he stands accused of torturing an ex-army soldier. The former BASL president underscored that such pending legal matters raise questions about public confidence in the acting IGP's ability to serve impartially and effectively.

During the media conference, Jayasuriya emphasized that it is now the responsibility of the Attorney General to pursue charges against Tennakoon and others under the Torture Act, given the Supreme Court's findings of guilt in the case several years ago.

Professor Savitri Goonesekere, another prominent voice within the legal community, echoed concerns about the circumstances surrounding Tennakoon's appointment. She questioned the basis on which the President appointed Tennakoon and how the Constitutional Council granted approval, especially considering the legal cloud hovering over the Acting IGP.