FR Petition Against Deshabandu Tennakoon to be Taken Up by the Supreme Court on January 30th

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Supreme Court today directed the fundamental rights petition to be taken up, filed by a group including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, alleging that former Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and several officers violated the rights of women from the National People's Power during a peaceful protest at Polduwa in 2023.

The case was taken up before a bench comprising Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando.

Respondents include Deshabandu Tennakoon, OICs from Welikada, Thalangama, and Mirihana, as well as the Nugegoda Senior Superintendent of Police.

The petition highlights that on December 4, 2023, while the budget debate on the Ministry of Women’s Affairs was underway, a group gathered at the Polduwa intersection to peacefully protest issues faced by women. 

The petition alleges that the police disrupted this gathering unlawfully, violating their fundamental rights.

The petitioners are seeking a declaration from court for their fundamental rights being violated and for appropriate compensation to be granted.