Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith strongly criticized the decision to appoint DIG Deshabandu Tennekoon as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), declaring it an affront to the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings.
In a special statement, Cardinal Ranjith highlighted that 273 people lost their lives, and 500 others were injured in the Easter Sunday attacks. The Presidential Commission of Inquiry, tasked with investigating the incident, specifically held DIG Tennekoon responsible for failing to prevent the tragic events. Notably, the Commission recommended disciplinary action against him.
Cardinal Ranjith expressed his dismay, stating, “It is a crime to appoint such a person as the acting IGP.” He pointed to additional allegations against Tennekoon, citing his inability to control violence on May 9 of the previous year and his controversial directive to transfer funds received from the President’s House to the Minister of Public Security. According to the Cardinal, these actions underscore Tennekoon’s lack of comprehension of national security issues, rendering him unsuitable for the role of acting IGP.
The Archbishop emphasized that the appointment appeared to be influenced by a power-hungry group, vehemently condemning the move by the President. Cardinal Ranjith concluded by asserting the inappropriateness of such a choice in light of the serious allegations against DIG Tennekoon and the profound impact of the Easter Sunday bombings on the nation.
