Serious concerns have been raised regarding the sudden announcement made by the police yesterday, just a day before the court was set to deliver its verdict on the writ petition filed by suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, who has been evading arrest.
The police statement, issued in the afternoon, claimed that the Attorney General had directed law enforcement not to arrest the former OIC of the Colombo Crimes Division, who was ordered to be taken into custody along with Tennakoon, and instead, only to record their statements.
The timing of this statement has led to speculation about possible ulterior motives, especially as the decision on Tennakoon’s petition was expected today. Many observers question why the police chose to release this information now, despite the fact that the Attorney General’s position on the matter had already been communicated in January.
Journalist Tharindu Jayawardena Raises Questions
Journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, in a Facebook post, highlighted the inconsistencies in the police’s sudden announcement. His post read:
“The Police Media Division issued a press release at 3:00 PM, leading some media outlets to publish breaking news that the Attorney General had instructed not to arrest the former OIC of the Colombo Crimes Division and others associated with Deshabandu Tennakoon. However, after carefully reviewing the statement, it appears there is no new information in it. The timing of this release—just before the court ruling on Deshabandu’s writ petition—raises serious concerns.”
He pointed out that the relevant writ petition had been filed even before the Matara Magistrate’s Court issued the arrest order for Tennakoon and his associates. During the last hearing in January, the Attorney General’s Department had already informed the court that these officers would not be arrested until at least March 21, pending further investigation.
“Why did the Police Media Division suddenly choose to issue this announcement yesterday when this decision had already been made weeks ago?” he questioned.
Suspicion Over the Timing of the Announcement
The journalist further noted that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had already recorded statements from the petitioners, including Colombo Crimes Division Director (Acting) Neville Silva, more than a week ago. Yet, the police statement failed to acknowledge this, nor did it provide any update on key developments in the case, such as the reappearance of Tennakoon’s wife and child or the statements recorded from his wife.
“Why does this police statement contain only outdated information while ignoring recent developments?” Jayawardena asked.
The timing of the police statement, he argued, appears to be an attempt to influence public perception or the legal proceedings just before the court ruling on Tennakoon’s writ petition.
The controversy surrounding Deshabandu Tennakoon’s case continues to unfold, with legal and political circles closely watching today’s court decision. Meanwhile, many are calling for greater transparency from the police regarding their handling of this high-profile case.
