The recent meeting between Nishan Duraiappah, the Chief of Peel Regional Police in Canada, and Deshabandu Tennakoon, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Sri Lanka, has stirred up significant controversy and criticism. The encounter, which took place at the police headquarters in Colombo on December 29, 2023, has raised eyebrows due to the contentious circumstances surrounding Tennakoon and his role in alleged human rights violations.
Tennakoon was serving as the Acting IGP at the time of the meeting and was facing serious allegations of torture, with a case pending before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The accusations against him involve his involvement in the brutal treatment of a man suspected of theft, which led to a ruling by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court holding him accountable for participating in the torture.
Global News Canada reported the meeting, highlighting the uncomfortable juxtaposition of Duraiappah, a respected Canadian law enforcement figure, standing alongside a senior Sri Lankan officer accused of human rights abuses. The visuals of Duraiappah in his Peel police uniform, posing with officials from a force under scrutiny for its actions, have sparked outrage and concern among various quarters.
Critics, including individuals like Dr. Thusiyan Nandakumar and former NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan, have voiced their dismay, viewing Duraiappah’s actions as a stain on Canada’s reputation and a betrayal of the principles of human rights and justice. They argue that by representing his organization in such a meeting, Duraiappah inadvertently lends legitimacy to an institution embroiled in allegations of serious misconduct.
While Peel Regional Police defended Duraiappah’s trip to Sri Lanka as a personal visit, questions remain about the appropriateness of his engagement with Tennakoon and the Sri Lankan police. The lack of transparency regarding the extent and nature of the discussions during the meeting has only added fuel to the fire.
Moreover, concerns have been raised about Canada’s stance on human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Despite previous condemnations and calls for accountability, Duraiappah’s visit seems to contradict Canada’s official position on the matter. The Canadian government’s assertion that the visit was personal, coupled with the RCMP’s provision of information about Tennakoon’s background, has further complicated the narrative.
The incident underscores broader issues concerning the relationship between Western law enforcement agencies and counterparts in countries with questionable human rights records. While engagement and collaboration are often seen as avenues for promoting positive change, instances like this raise doubts about the effectiveness and ethics of such interactions.
In light of the backlash and the implications for both Peel Regional Police and Canada as a whole, calls for an apology and clarification from Duraiappah have grown louder. Critics argue that acknowledging the misjudgment and addressing the concerns raised by the community are crucial steps towards upholding the values of accountability and integrity within the law enforcement community.
As the fallout from this controversial meeting continues to reverberate, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in navigating the intersections of law enforcement, diplomacy, and human rights on the global stage.
