Arrest Warrant and Travel Ban ImposedA warrant has been issued for the arrest of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, along with a foreign travel ban imposed by the Matara Magistrate’s Court. This decision follows a request made by officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as part of an ongoing investigation into a high-profile shooting incident.
Investigators have conducted searches at Tennakoon’s residences in Hokandara and Giriulla. However, reports indicate that he was not present at either location, raising suspicions about his whereabouts.
Tennakoon Reported MissingDeputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala informed Parliament that Tennakoon is currently missing. This statement was made in response to an inquiry by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri regarding the former IGP’s arrest status.
The Deputy Minister further assured that law enforcement authorities are operating independently in the process of apprehending Tennakoon.
President’s Statement Fuels SpeculationMeanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed that a key figure responsible for upholding the law had left home without his personal security officer and is now missing. Although the President did not explicitly name Tennakoon, many believe he was referring to the former IGP. The President expressed confidence that the missing individual would be presented before the courts soon.
The Weligama Shooting Incident
The case against Tennakoon stems from a shooting incident near the W15 Hotel in Weligama on December 31, 2023. During this incident, a police sergeant, Upul Chaminda Kumara, was killed, and another officer sustained injuries. Reports suggest that officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) had arrived at the scene without notifying local authorities, which led to an armed confrontation with Weligama police officers.
On February 29, 2024, the Matara Magistrate’s Court ordered the CID to arrest Tennakoon and present him before the court for his alleged involvement in the case.
