Deshabandu Tennakoon, Sri Lanka’s suspended police chief, surrendered to court after evading arrest for two weeks regarding a 2023 shooting incident. Previously suspended since July 2024, he is involved in a case linked to a police raid that resulted in an officer’s death. His recent search resulted in significant seizures of illicit items, raising concerns about police operations.
On March 19, 2025, Deshabandu Tennakoon, the suspended inspector general of police in Sri Lanka, surrendered to the magistrate’s court in Matara following a two-week evasion of arrest linked to a shooting incident from 2023. His surrender occurred after losing an appeal at the Court of Appeal against his arrest. The court ordered his remand for one day.
Tennakoon had been on the run since February 28, when the Matara Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for his arrest due to an incident that occurred in December 2023 in Weligama. While leading a raiding team concerning illegal drugs, a shooting incident ensued between police, resulting in the death of an officer from the Colombo Crime Division (CCD).
The police initiated a public appeal for assistance in locating Tennakoon and established six teams for his apprehension after receiving the court order. He had remained evaded since February 28, despite his suspension from duty mandated by the Supreme Court in July 2024, and faced questions concerning the legality of his position.
Despite an earlier ruling by the Supreme Court finding him guilty of torture, Tennakoon was appointed as police chief in November 2023. In response to the ongoing situation, an acting police chief was designated to oversee police operations.
On the evening prior to his surrender, police teams conducted a search of Tennakoon’s residence in Hokandara, a suburb of Colombo. During this search, they reported seizing over 1,200 bottles of foreign liquor, personal weapons, and iPhones belonging to Tennakoon. His wife has since alleged that the raid was conducted unlawfully, lacking a court-issued warrant.
The surrender of Deshabandu Tennakoon marks a significant development in the case surrounding the shooting incident and reflects ongoing concerns regarding police conduct and accountability in Sri Lanka. As legal proceedings continue, the implications of his suspension and previous actions, including the handling of drug-related operations, will remain under scrutiny.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
