Amidst the ongoing Island-wide "Yukthiya" operation targeting underworld criminals and narcotics, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is considering extending Deshabandu Tennakoon's appointment as Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Initially appointed on November 29, 2023, for a three-month term, Tennakoon's potential extension or permanent appointment as IGP is under consideration, with the President likely to propose it to the Constitutional Council. Alternatively, he could bypass the temporary extension route and be permanently appointed as IGP.
Tennakoon, a member of the police force since 1998, is set to retire in 2032.
The move coincides with the nationwide "Yukthiya" operation launched in December 2023, aimed at combatting drug trafficking, peddling, and other criminal activities. While facing criticism from human rights groups and legal experts over alleged arbitrary arrests and transparency issues, the operation remains focused on eradicating the underworld and apprehending drug smugglers.
Despite concerns raised by various quarters, Minister Tiran Alles and Acting IGP Tennakoon emphasize that the operation has no personal agenda and is solely dedicated to dismantling organized crime and drug trafficking networks. They express confidence in achieving significant progress by June 2024 and pledge to continue until the ultimate goal of dismantling narcotics networks is achieved.
