In a dramatic and unexpected twist, the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has been instructed to investigate a sensational bribery allegation made by notorious underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, widely known as ‘Harak Kata’. The claim, made on the steps of the Colombo High Court, has sent ripples through Sri Lanka’s political and law enforcement landscape, with fingers pointed directly at former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and former acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the TID has officially been asked to probe the accusation. He acknowledged the serious nature of the charge and raised questions about the timing. “There is a question as to why such a statement was made after one and a half years,” he said, indicating suspicions of political motivation. He noted that Harak Kata’s remark did not appear to be planned, but the implications have nevertheless stirred public attention.
The statement in question came as Harak Kata, who was being escorted into court custody, paused in front of television cameras and declared:
“I am being kept in Tangalle after spending about one crore rupees because I did not give 30 crore rupees to Tiran Alles and Deshabandu Tennakoon.”
While the claim lacked elaboration, it bore striking similarity to an earlier allegation made publicly by Tiran Alles himself in November 2023. At the time, Alles alleged that a staggering Rs. 700 million bribe had been offered to prevent the return of Harak Kata to Sri Lanka and influence his ministerial conduct. “They were ready to pay a vast sum to make me abandon my post,” Alles had stated, accusing underworld players of trying to manipulate law enforcement from abroad.
Deshabandu Tennakoon, the former acting police chief, had also previously warned that criminals who offer bribes eventually use it as leverage. “Taking bribes from criminals is like taking bribes from dogs,” he had said. “They’ll threaten you with it later.”
In the wake of Harak Kata’s sudden accusation, a close associate of former Minister Tiran Alles, speaking with his consent, categorically denied the allegations and dismissed the event as a staged media stunt. The associate questioned the credibility and timing of the accusation. “Harak Kata has been appearing in court for over a year. Why did he suddenly decide to make this statement now? The minister has not been in office for more than seven months.”
He also pointed out that during the suspect’s media interaction, there was a clear opportunity provided with no STF officers obstructing the view and the police vehicle window conveniently lowered. “The whole scene looked arranged. It wasn’t spontaneous.”
Responding to questions about Harak Kata’s imprisonment in Tangalle, the associate emphasized that it was based on a High Court ruling and implemented through the Defence Secretary, not any directive from Tiran Alles.
Following Harak Kata’s public statement, Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka ordered that he be examined by the Tangalle Judicial Medical Officer. The order came after the suspect complained of medical issues, alleging he was not being treated by qualified doctors but by personnel assigned by the TID.
In addition to his various charges relating to narcotics and organized crime, Harak Kata is also facing legal proceedings over an alleged attempt to escape custody by attacking CID and STF officers. That case is scheduled to resume on May 28.
The government’s decision to assign the TID to investigate such an allegation signals the seriousness with which the statement is being treated despite skepticism about its authenticity. Whether the claim is a desperate attempt by a high-profile prisoner to manipulate public perception, or part of a deeper political ploy, remains to be seen.
What’s clear is that this sudden accusation has reignited scrutiny over the relationships between political authority and law enforcement, and whether deep-state allegiances and backroom deals continue to shape Sri Lanka’s criminal justice system. As the TID begins its inquiry, all eyes are now on the political ramifications of a statement that, true or not, has already sent tremors through Colombo.
