Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has exercised his decisive vote as the chairman of the Constitutional Council (CC) to solidify the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on a permanent basis.
This move comes after a split decision among the other eight members of the CC regarding Tennakoon's appointment.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the eight CC members were evenly divided on the appointment, with four members voting in favor, two against, and two abstaining.
However, the decision to abstain was contested, with arguments suggesting that abstentions should be treated as votes against the appointment.
Given the deadlock, the Speaker's vote ultimately tipped the scales in favor of confirming Tennakoon as the permanent IGP. The CC, comprising ten members, consists of seven representatives from Parliament and three from civil society.
Alongside the Speaker, the Prime Minister, and the Opposition Leader, who are members by virtue of their positions, there are three additional MPs nominated by the President, Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader
