Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon has revealed to the CID why the attack on Galle Face protesters by the people came from Temple Trees could not be dispersed before the attack.
The CID obtained a lengthy statement for 8 hours from Deshabandu Tennakoon regarding the attack yesterday.
The IGP had written to him the day before with an intelligence report asking him to take appropriate security measures. According to the CID, he had informed other officers and taken security measures to prevent the attack.
Deshabandu Tennakoon also explained at length about the steps taken regarding security.
Deshabandu Tennakoon has said that he had visited Temple Trees during the meeting and inspected the situation. He mentioned the names of some of the politicians present and said he met them. According to the CID, Deshabandu Tennakoon had stated that those politicians told him that they would not come beyond the Galle Face roundabout.
According to the CID, Deshabandu Tennakoon had stated that he was not allowed to carry out the security arrangements on the instructions of the IGP and the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Defense, although arrangements have been made to prevent them from entering the Galle Face.
However, he has emphasized that the President had clearly instructed him not to allow people coming from Temple Trees towards the Galle Face Green.
This Deshabandu is talking through a small hole he has in his rear
Deshabandu, U failed to take charge of the situation despite U being present. Also, on your own
statement U have disobeyed President’s order.
Furthermore, U forgot the Sacred Oath U had taken as a Policeman.
Police higherachy in need of couple of charge sheets, demotions & a shake up.