State counsel opposes bail for Deshabandu: Court grants time to file objections

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, August 5 (Daily Mirror) - Senior State Counsel Oswald Perera today told the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that although the Magistrate’s Court has the power to release a person on anticipatory bail prior to arrest, such power should only be exercised in respect of individuals who respect the law and the authority of the court not those who have repeatedly violated the law and ridiculed the legal system.

State counsel made these remarks in strong opposition to the anticipatory bail application filed by former Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is under investigation by the CID based on legal advice provided by the Attorney General on April 19, 2023.

He stated that, unlike in situations where arrests are attempted maliciously by the police, this particular case is being investigated purely in accordance with the Attorney General’s directive, following a comprehensive review of all available evidence. There is no element of personal animosity involved.

Tennakoon has been named as a suspect in a case filed before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court over allegations of aiding and abetting a violent mob attack on peaceful protesters at the "GotaGoGama" and "MainaGoGama" protest sites, while he was serving as Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province. Charges also include attempted murder and unlawful assault.

The State Counsel further told court that the AG's directive in 2023 to take legal action against Deshabandu Tennakoon was never implemented. Had it been carried out at the time, tragic incidents could have been avoided.

He also stated that the prosecution would strongly oppose any move to grant bail to Tennakoon in connection with the aforementioned incident.

State counsel also revealed that 36 suspects have already been arrested and released on bail in connection with the same case, while four others have been discharged based on the Attorney General’s advice.

After considering all submissions, Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura today granted time until August 7 to file written objections to the anticipatory bail application.

The Magistrate further stated that following the submission and consideration of the written objections, an appropriate order would be delivered shortly thereafter.