Deshabandu Tennakoon Still Missing Amid Arrest Warrant

Authorities Take Steps to Prevent Escape

A senior police officer has confirmed that measures have been taken to prevent Deshabandu Tennakoon from fleeing the country. This comes after a court order was issued for his arrest in connection with an incident in Weligama.

To legally restrict his departure, the Matara Magistrate’s Court has imposed a foreign travel ban, which has been communicated to immigration and emigration officers at all airports and ports. Additionally, authorities have implemented measures to prevent any illegal departure via boats.

Police Surveillance and Investigations

Over the past few days, police have searched Tennakoon’s residences in Hokandara and Giriulla, as well as the homes of his close associates. Law enforcement officers in civilian attire have been stationed around the residences of several politicians close to Tennakoon to assess whether he is receiving their protection.

Officials believe Tennakoon is likely to surrender to the police or the judiciary today with legal assistance. Meanwhile, authorities have also focused their attention on hotels and apartment complexes where he is suspected to be hiding.

The 2023 Weligama Incident

Shooting Incident at W15 Hotel

On December 31, 2023, a team of officers from the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) traveled to Weligama in a van with fake number plates and opened fire towards the W15 hotel around midnight. Reports suggest the hotel was owned by the son of A.J.M. Muzammil, who was serving as the Governor of Uva Province at the time.

Upon hearing of the incident, officers from the Weligama Police arrived at the scene. Among them was a military personnel. The CCD officers, who were dressed in civilian clothes and armed with T56 rifles, attempted to flee upon spotting the police without identifying themselves.

High-Speed Chase and Interception

The Weligama Police signaled the fleeing van to stop, but it failed to comply and instead attempted to escape at high speed, colliding with a police cab. A military personnel in the police cab fired shots at the van in an attempt to stop it, but the vehicle continued to flee.

Police radio alerts enabled surrounding police stations to be informed, leading to an interception attempt when the van was about to enter the expressway. The CCD officers claimed they were conducting a special investigation under higher police orders and sought to evade inspection. However, bullet holes in the van and an unconscious individual inside raised suspicion. Authorities denied the van entry onto the expressway and directed it to Matara Hospital. The injured individual was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Investigation Findings and Legal Implications

Subsequent investigations revealed that there was no evidence of gunfire originating from the hotel. Instead, evidence indicated that CCD officers had aimed their weapons at the W15 hotel. The CCD later claimed that a sergeant had been shot from the hotel's direction. However, this raised questions about why CCD officers fled upon the arrival of uniformed police officers.

Further inquiries confirmed that the deceased sergeant had been shot by the military personnel attempting to stop the van. Pressure was reportedly placed on Southern Province police authorities to arrest the military personnel and officers in the police cab under claims of illegal action. However, officers refused to comply, leading to transfers of senior police officials. Notably, Senior Deputy Inspector General Sajiva Medawatta, who served as the Southern Province Police Chief, was transferred to the Police Academy.

Allegations of Corruption and Cover-ups

Many officers involved in this incident have been linked to previous controversial activities. Reports suggest that the deceased sergeant was privy to sensitive information regarding illegal operations conducted by certain CCD officers. He had allegedly made threats to expose these activities during drunken outbursts at the police barracks.

Among the eight police officers ordered to be arrested by the Matara Magistrate’s Court in connection with the Weligama incident are individuals suspected of various illegal activities. Their arrests and interrogations could potentially uncover critical information about previous shootings in Colombo, attacks on homes of underworld figures, acid attacks, and other criminal activities.

Police Inspector Missing Amid Investigation

Authorities have also confirmed that a police inspector linked to the case is currently missing. He has since been listed as an officer who has deserted the police service.