By: Ovindi Vishmika
March 20, Colombo (LNW): Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon is set to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court today, where a crucial decision on his bail application is expected at 2:00 p.m. Tennakoon has been in remand custody, since yesterday.
Tennakoon’s surrender to the court followed a period of evading arrest for 20 days, after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with a shooting incident that occurred near a hotel in Weligama, back in 2023.
According to court orders, Tennakoon was transferred to Angunakolapelessa Prison under heightened security measures on last afternoon (19), as reported by the prison sources.
The Matara Magistrate’s Court had previously ordered the arrest of eight former officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), including Tennakoon, in connection with the mentioned shooting incident occurred in front of the W15 Hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama, Matara, on December 31, 2023.
Further, the CID was instructed to arrest and present the eight individuals, including Tennakoon, before the court. Prior to his surrender, the Court of Appeal dismissed a writ petition filed by Tennakoon, where he sought an interim injunction to prevent his arrest.
However, it is reported that the court’s decision today is highly anticipated, as it will determine whether Tennakoon will be granted bail while investigations continue.
