By Initially, President Ranil Wickremesinghe seemed to be the sole authority, but now his Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has emerged as a serious rival. Backed by Minister Tiran Alles, Tennakoon has launched ‘Yukthiya,’ an operation aimed at eradicating illicit drugs in the country. The trio seems to think that each his helping the other but the reality is different because there is the possibility of the entire game plan back firing with disasters consequence to many.
A country Free of Drugs
The public is regularly updated on drug seizures and arrests through daily news and footage. Tennakoon optimistically claims that Sri Lanka will soon be free of drugs. However, the reality is different, with concerns raised about the wisdom of imprisoning drug users and small-scale dealers, while major drug exporters remain untouched. Some suspect a reluctance to apprehend influential figures with political connections.
Critics find aspects of the ‘Yukthiya’ operation farcical, such as announcing raid locations in advance. The media’s constant coverage of daily detentions appears orchestrated for Tennakoon’s benefit, resembling a poorly scripted drama.
Naramala incident
Last week, ‘Yukthiya’ drew attention to a tragic incident exposing police brutality in Narammala. An innocent civilian was killed, and attempts were made to distort facts through media manipulation. The incident was exposed by a courageous individual who shared a video on social media, contradicting the initial police narrative.
Despite acknowledging the mistake, Tennakoon remains defiant, attributing criticisms to those allegedly paid by drug dealers. He has offered a one million rupee compensation to the victim’s family but maintains his commitment to ‘Yukthiya.’
Loyalty
Tennakoon’s determination to continue the operation has Alles’ support, who dismisses concerns about human rights abuses. Tennakoon’s acting IGP appointment is set to end on February 29, 2024, raising questions about whether Wickremesinghe will extend his services. Wickremesinghe, a shrewd political player facing a looming presidential election, may prioritize loyalty over concerns about human rights and public discontent against the police. The outcome of Tennakoon’s appointment extension will provide insight into Wickremesinghe’s strategy
