The Inspector-General of Police has taken steps to send the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province on two weeks holiday leave with a replacement.

Accordingly, DIG, D.J Palihakkara, will cover Deshabandu Tennekoon’s duties. The appointment of DIG Palihakkara is subject to approval by the Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Order.

DIG Tennekkon came in for flak for not being able to avert the May 9th attack on the Galle Face Green protestors.

The Attorney General has informed the Magistrate Court that a directive would go out for his arrest following an investigation on the availability of evidence for a prima facie case. The AG has already imposed a travel ban on the questionable DIG through the Fort Magistrate courts. The AG has taken yet another step further by directing the IGP to transfer him out of his substantive position.

The Magistrate Court has queried the Police about DIG’s failure to surrender his passport to the Court.

The IGP will appear before the Magistrate this week to make submissions on the failure to transfer Tennekoon out of his substantive position under the directions of the Attorney General.