Where is Deshabandu? Five houses searched, manhunt continues Police on the lookout for him

• Overseas travel ban imposed on Mr. Tennakoon

By Kelum Bandara 

Despite a court order and a travel ban, the police are  still on the lookout for former Inspector General of Police (IGP)  Deshabandu Tennakoon, even after searching five houses.  
The Matara Magistrate’s Court ordered the arrest of him,  along with seven other officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD),  over a shooting incident that took place in front of a hotel in the  Pelena area in Weligama, Matara, on December 31, 2023.   
On that day, a CCD team had travelled to the area to arrest  a suspect without informing the area police. Policemen had opened fire  at the CCD due to a mistaken identity, and one of the police sergeants  had been killed in the incident.   
An overseas travel ban has now been imposed on Mr.  Tennakoon, following a request made by the Criminal Investigations  Department.  
Asked about the delay in the arrest of Mr. Deshabandu,  Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said, “The police are taking  steps to arrest him. Five houses were searched. Acting Inspector General of  Police (IGP) is looking into the matter,’  
Mr. Tennakoon was appointed the 36th IGP of Sri Lanka last year by then President Ranil Wickremesinghe.  
This appointment was made in compliance with the  stipulations outlined in Articles 41C (1) and 61E (b) of the  Constitution. Before that, he was serving in the post in an acting capacity  since November 29, 2023.   
Asked for a comment on the planned arrest, the Police Media  Division said, “The police are eagerly acting to realise the directive  by the court.”