Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon Faces Legal Scrutiny Amid Shooting Incident in Weligama

By: Ovindi Vishmika

March 28, Colombo (LNW): Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been remanded in connection with a shooting incident that took place near the W15 Hotel in Weligama on December 31, 2023.

Tennakoon, who had been evading arrest for several weeks, surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court on March 19, 2025. His legal troubles have attracted significant national attention, with various political and legal bodies weighing in on the matter.

What Led To His Arrest & Remand?

The incident in question occurred in the Pelena area of Weligama, where a shooting took place in front of the W15 Hotel. An arrest warrant was issued for Tennakoon and seven other officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) in connection with the shooting. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was tasked with locating and arresting the suspects. However, Tennakoon had been evading authorities for several days before his eventual surrender.

The Court of Appeal had earlier dismissed Tennakoon’s writ petition, which sought an injunction to prevent his arrest. On March 17, 2025, the court ordered that the CID take immediate steps to arrest the former IGP and present him before the Matara Magistrate’s Court. The ruling was delivered without a hearing, with the bench comprising Acting President of the Court of Appeal Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Sarath Dissanayake.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirmed Tennakoon’s surrender in Parliament on March 19. The Minister also revealed that the CID had conducted a search at Tennakoon’s residence in Hokandara, where they uncovered a significant cache of liquor and a firearm believed to belong to Tennakoon. A total of 1,009 bottles of alcohol, including both foreign liquor and wine, were seized. Additionally, two mobile phones were recovered, with the Minister suggesting that valuable information would likely be revealed through these devices.

Following his surrender, Tennakoon was remanded until March 20, 2025, and transferred to Angunakolapelessa Prison under special security.Then,the Matara Magistrate’s Court further remanded him until April 3, 2025. The court also planned to hear Tennakoon’s bail application on the same day.

In the wake of these events, the legal proceedings surrounding Tennakoon have been complicated by political dynamics. The National People’s Power (NPP) has filed a no-confidence motion against Tennakoon, with a group of MPs expected to submit the motion to the Speaker of Parliament on March 25.

Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, speaking on behalf of the NPP, emphasized the importance of accountability in public office.

“A people’s government is now in power, and we are committed to using the public mandate to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon from the post of Inspector General of Police, a position to which he was unlawfully appointed,” Gunasekara stated.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has also expressed his party’s support for any proposals aimed at holding Tennakoon accountable, criticizing his appointment to the position of IGP by former President and former Speaker, whom he claims violated the Constitution.

On the same day, a resolution calling for the establishment of a committee to investigate Tennakoon’s removal from office was handed over to Parliament by 115 Members of Parliament. The motion, submitted under Section 5 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act No. 5 of 2002, seeks to begin an inquiry into Tennakoon’s fitness to continue in office, with the support of a significant portion of the legislature.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation into the Weligama shooting incident continues, it remains to be seen how the legal and political challenges facing Tennakoon will unfold. His case is not only a matter of criminal justice but also a focal point in the broader political discourse surrounding police leadership in Sri Lanka.

The Court of Appeal’s dismissal of Tennakoon’s writ petition and the subsequent developments, including the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident and his alleged involvement in various illicit activities, have ensured that the case will be under close scrutiny for the foreseeable future. With his political and legal future uncertain, the former IGP is set to face further hearings in the coming weeks, and his role in Sri Lanka’s policing will likely continue to be a matter of public debate.