After remaining in hiding for several days, IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon appeared before the Matara Magistrate’s Court this morning. His surrender comes after the Court of Appeal rejected his petition, forcing him to face legal proceedings.
The Matara Magistrate’s Court had previously issued an arrest warrant for Tennakoon and a group of officers in connection with the shooting death of a police officer during a raid in Weligama, Matara. While all the other officers involved have given statements to the police, no arrests have been made so far. Tennakoon remained the only suspect evading law enforcement, prompting police teams to conduct nationwide operations in search of him.
Following his court appearance, the Matara Magistrate’s Court ordered his remand until tomorrow, stating that a decision on his bail application would be announced then. Until the hearing, Tennakoon will remain in the courtroom. A large number of lawyers have gathered at the court to represent him, while several prison buses have also arrived, transporting other suspects and prisoners for ongoing legal cases.
Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed in Parliament that a police search at Tennakoon’s residence in Hokandara uncovered 795 bottles of foreign liquor, 214 bottles of wine, and two Apple-branded mobile phones. The Minister stated that authorities expect to extract critical information from the seized devices.
Additionally, the Minister announced that efforts were being made to freeze Tennakoon’s assets, with the relevant documentation set to be presented in court. However, Tennakoon’s wife has lodged a complaint with the Athurugiriya Police, claiming that the search was conducted without a warrant.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes remain on the Matara Magistrate’s Court, where the IGP’s fate will be determined in the coming days.
