Court Orders Arrest of 8 Former CCD Officers, Including Ex-IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, in Weligama Shooting Incident
The Matara Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of eight former officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), including former Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and directed that they be named as suspects in connection with the shooting incident that occurred in front of the W15 Hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama, Matara, on December 31, 2023.
Police Media Spokesperson Provides Clarification
Commenting on the matter, Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, explained the circumstances surrounding the incident:
“The shooting carried out by officers of the Weligama Police was based on the right of self-defense, and no legal action has been taken against them. However, the deployment of Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) officers to this location was unlawful. As a result, the court has ordered the arrest of eight officers, including those who arrived at the scene that day, as well as the then-Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and directed that they be named as suspects in the case,” said Manatunga.
Incident Details and the Weligama Shooting
On December 31, 2023, a team of officers from the Colombo Crimes Division traveled to Weligama in Matara with the intention of arresting a group of individuals linked to the notorious underworld figure, Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, also known as ‘Harak Kata.’ According to police reports, the officers, dressed in civilian attire, were attacked from inside the W15 Hotel in Weligama, prompting them to return fire in self-defense.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a mobile patrol vehicle from the Weligama Police Station arrived at the scene and mistakenly opened fire on the van that was carrying the CCD officers. This misunderstanding arose as the Weligama Police officers believed the van to be transporting criminals.
Casualties and the Aftermath
As the situation unfolded, the van fled the location; however, two CCD officers sustained gunshot wounds. One of the injured officers, 47-year-old Police Sergeant Upul Chaminda Kumara from the Colombo Crimes Division, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.
A preliminary inquest into the incident was held at the Matara Chief Magistrate’s Court, and the verdict was announced on February 27, 2025.
CID Instructed to Arrest Suspects
Following the court’s decision, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been tasked with arresting the eight individuals, including former Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and bringing them before the court for further proceedings.
