AG to challenge Deshabandu’s bail order

10 April 2025 08:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 17 Bookmark

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By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, April 10 (Daily Mirror) - Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris, appearing for the prosecution, informed the Matara Magistrate’s Court today that steps will be taken to file a revision application before the High Court challenging the decision to grant bail to Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Matara Magistrate, Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa, granted bail for Deshabandu Tennakoon on two personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each. The Magistrate also issued stern warnings that the suspect must not interfere with witnesses, warning that any such actions would result in the bail being revoked.

In addition to the bail conditions, court imposed a travel ban on the suspect and ordered him to surrender his passport to court.

The ASG strongly opposed releasing the suspect on bail and emphasised that the ongoing investigations were at a crucial stage, and releasing the suspect could seriously hinder the investigative process.

ASG Peeris argued that investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had not concluded yet, and with the case reaching a decisive phase, allowing the suspect to re-enter society posed a threat to the integrity of the ongoing process. He requested that the court provide the prosecution with the full report of the bail order, emphasising the need to take immediate legal steps to challenge it.

The ASG also revealed to court that on April 4, CID officers had recorded a statement from Southern Province DIG Nishantha Soysa regarding the incident. Notably, DIG Soysa had requested special security due to threats he perceived to his life.

"This is the first time in my legal career that a senior police officer had sought protection from within the CID. This is an indication of the seriousness and sensitivity of the case involving Deshabandu Tennakoon," ASG Peeris said.