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The Matara Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of eight former officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), including former Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, in connection with the shooting incident that took place on December 31, 2023, in front of the W15 Hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama, Matara. The court also instructed that these officers be named as suspects in the case.
Unlawful Deployment of CCD Officers
Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, addressed the court’s decision, stating that the shooting incident carried out by the Weligama Police officers was done in self-defense, and as such, no legal action would be taken against them. However, Manatunga clarified that the deployment of CCD officers to the scene had been unlawful. As a result, the court ordered the arrest of eight officers, including those who had arrived at the scene that day, along with the then-Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
“The deployment of the CCD officers was not authorized, which led to this unfortunate incident. As a result, the court has named them as suspects,” Manatunga explained.
“The deployment of the CCD officers was not authorized, which led to this unfortunate incident. As a result, the court has named them as suspects,” Manatunga explained.
The Incident: A Misunderstanding Turns Tragic
The events of December 31, 2023, unfolded when a team of officers from the Colombo Crimes Division traveled to Weligama with the intent of arresting individuals associated with the infamous underworld figure, Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, known as 'Harak Kata.' Officers, dressed in civilian attire, were allegedly attacked from within the W15 Hotel, which led them to open fire in defense.
In the aftermath of this altercation, a mobile patrol vehicle from the Weligama Police Station arrived at the scene and mistakenly opened fire on the van transporting the CCD officers, believing it to be carrying criminals. This misunderstanding escalated tensions and led to a dangerous situation.
Tragic Loss of Life
The CCD officers' van managed to leave the scene, but by the time it had departed, two officers had sustained gunshot wounds. One of the wounded officers, 47-year-old Police Sergeant Upul Chaminda Kumara, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.
The shooting incident led to a thorough investigation, which culminated in a preliminary inquest held at the Matara Chief Magistrate’s Court. The court’s verdict, announced on February 27, 2025, resulted in the decision to arrest the eight officers involved in the incident.
The shooting incident led to a thorough investigation, which culminated in a preliminary inquest held at the Matara Chief Magistrate’s Court. The court’s verdict, announced on February 27, 2025, resulted in the decision to arrest the eight officers involved in the incident.
CID to Arrest and Present Suspects
Following the verdict, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been directed to arrest the eight individuals, including former Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and present them before the court. The investigation into the unlawful deployment of CCD officers continues as the court examines the details of the case.
The arrest order and ongoing investigation highlight the severity of the situation, which escalated from a routine police operation into a tragic event that led to loss of life and confusion among law enforcement.
The arrest order and ongoing investigation highlight the severity of the situation, which escalated from a routine police operation into a tragic event that led to loss of life and confusion among law enforcement.
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