Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon appeared before the Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday, surrendering after a Court of Appeal ruling rejected his request for legal relief.
Represented by President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe and a team of around 15 other lawyers, Tennakoon was involved in a contentious hearing regarding his bail request.
Tennakoon, who had been on the run for 20 days following the issuance of an open warrant for his arrest, appeared dressed in a tie and coat, accompanied by two vehicles.
This appearance, however, sparked a strong reaction from Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, who vehemently opposed granting bail. Peiris, representing the Attorney General, described Tennakoon as a “notorious organized criminal,” citing his alleged involvement in criminal activities, comparing him to figures like Makandure Madush and Harak Kata.
Mr.Peiris further detailed Tennakoon's actions during the search operation, stating that he had been evading the law, utilizing political, social, and religious power to conceal his whereabouts.
The search for Tennakoon had been likened to the hunt for a high-profile fugitive, with the authorities finding numerous discrepancies in his reported residence and financial activities. Peiris also highlighted the discovery of 795 bottles of alcohol and a large quantity of luxury items at his property, calling into question the legitimacy of Tennakoon’s wealth.
The attorney also expressed concerns over Tennakoon’s safety in prison, dismissing his claims of life threats, and emphasized that Tennakoon had been hiding his service firearm and using various deceitful methods to avoid arrest.
In contrast, President's Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe argued that Tennakoon had voluntarily surrendered to the court after his request for legal relief was rejected. Ranasinghe maintained that Tennakoon had acted within the law and emphasized that his client’s conduct had been above board, claiming that bail should be granted under suitable conditions.
Despite these arguments, Additional Solicitor General Peiris’ objections led to the postponement of the bail decision, with Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa indicating that the court would deliver its ruling at 2:00 PM tomorrow.
The case has garnered significant attention, with legal representatives and observers highlighting the ongoing battle over Tennakoon’s bail request. Following the proceedings, Tennakoon was escorted under heavy security to the Angunakolapelessa Prison.
The case stems from an incident on December 31, 2023, where officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) were involved in a fatal shooting at the W15 Hotel in Pelena, Matara. Investigations suggest Tennakoon’s alleged involvement in orchestrating the attack, which resulted in the death of a CCD officer and the injury of another. The case has raised questions about the involvement of high-ranking officials in organized crime, further intensifying the legal scrutiny surrounding Tennakoon's actions.
