![Gossip Lanka News [English]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYm2aFFq-bIW1nWX-RrqnPFoIsVos6_VCVz8BpLt0QJi55GNXHXC2fugeRvL0qUStEuCfs7Sfu6ZiSlhrkldxfGuE_wzy5gitY6rMZ2KSi8VBbGvkgXLks37RwZV-4-HKbWiNLRxB8C_r1e4z3mpxFTMPDJPEADoG8E-bZteWFipeD5KNGbjvCfqEfKw=s300 "Gossip Lanka News [English]")
The Weligama shooting incident that occurred on December 31, 2023, has continued to unravel with new developments, and the investigation has taken a significant turn. Former Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nevil Silva, has surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court in connection with the shooting incident near the W15 Hotel in Weligama.
The incident occurred in the Pelena area of Weligama, when an operation conducted by the CCD to arrest a suspect went awry. Police officers, unaware of the operation, mistakenly opened fire on the CCD vehicle, leading to the tragic death of a police sergeant and injuries to a sub-inspector. This shooting incident, which sparked widespread public outrage, is now at the center of a major investigation.
Earlier, the Matara Magistrate’s Court had issued arrest warrants for eight former CCD officers, including the then Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was suspended in July 2024 after the Supreme Court ruled that he had been guilty of torture. These officers were named as suspects in the incident, which has raised questions about the authority and conduct of law enforcement in Sri Lanka.
With Silva’s surrender, he becomes the ninth suspect to be linked to the case, intensifying scrutiny of the operations that led to the deadly shooting. Silva’s involvement is particularly significant as he held a senior position within the CCD at the time of the incident, making his surrender a crucial moment in the ongoing investigation.
Influance
The authorities are not only questioning the actions of the officers involved but also the potential political ties that could have influenced the operations. Former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has already been summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning as part of their investigation into possible links between political figures and the shooting.
Accountability
The case has underscored the growing concerns over accountability within Sri Lanka's law enforcement agencies and has called attention to the need for reforms to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. As the investigation progresses, the involvement of top-ranking officers and former political figures suggests a complex web of responsibility that continues to unfold.