From IGP to Fugitive: Deshabandu Finally Appears In Court

COLOMBO (News 1st); Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon appeared before the Matara Magistrate's Court today, following a warrant issued for his arrest. 

Sri Lanka Police confirmed that Tennakoon was expected to appear in court via a motion.

The warrant was issued on February 28, 2025, in connection with a shooting incident near a hotel in Weligama on December 31, 2023, which resulted in the death of an officer from the Colombo Crime Division. 

The Matara Magistrate's Court had ordered the arrest of Tennakoon and eight others involved in the incident.

Following the issuance of the warrant, Tennakoon was also subjected to an international travel ban. 

Despite this, he evaded arrest, prompting the police to launch a special operation to apprehend him.

In a bid to avoid arrest, Tennakoon filed a writ petition with the Court of Appeal, seeking an interim order to prevent his detention. 

However, the Court of Appeal rejected his petition and instructed the police to arrest Tennakoon immediately and present him before the Matara Magistrate's Court.

The Court of Appeal also ordered legal action against individuals who assisted Tennakoon in evading arrest. 

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reported the details of the shooting incident to the Matara Magistrate's Court on February 27, 2023.