The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a probe into whether the suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has committed offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act following the discovery of large stocks of foreign liquor, luxury gift hampers, and various food items from his Hokandara residence.
According to a report by The Sunday Times, the ongoing investigations are focused on identifying whether Mr. Tennakoon had acquired assets using other individuals as cover to conceal ownership. It has been alleged that several assets believed to belong to the suspended IGP have not been officially registered under his name.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has also initiated an investigation into Mr. Tennakoon’s assets. This follows submissions made by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, PC, during court proceedings related to the 2023 Weligama shooting incident, in which a Colombo Crimes Division officer was killed.
The Sunday Times further reported that Mr. Tennakoon, who surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court, was remanded until April 3. The court was urged not to grant him bail considering the severity of the allegations.
While Mr. Tennakoon remains the technically appointed IGP, he has been suspended from duties by the Supreme Court since July last year. Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya currently serves as the Acting IGP.
The report also highlights that taking disciplinary action or removing the IGP falls within the powers of the President and the Constitutional Council, as the National Police Commission does not hold the authority to interdict the IGP. An impeachment motion in Parliament is required for his official removal.
As investigations continue, the CID is focused on uncovering potential money laundering offenses linked to the undeclared assets said to be connected to the suspended and remanded IGP.
