IGP Deshabandu’s bail denied: Magistrate orders action against those who aided his evasion

By Bhagya Silva   

While denying bail for  IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, Matara Magistrate Buddhadasa Aruna yesterday directed CID to take immediate action against all those who assisted the suspect in hiding and evading arrest over the past 20 days. 
The suspended IGP was remanded till 03 April by the Matara Magistrate. 
The Magistrate in his order said that releasing the suspect on bail at this stage could interfere with the ongoing investigation into the 2023 shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama, Matara. He further noted that a case is also pending before the Court of Appeal, and therefore, the court could not grant bail until those proceedings were concluded.   
Following the ruling, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris stated that Tennakoon should be indicted as soon as possible. He emphasized the need for a swift legal process and urged authorities to ensure that charges are filed without delay.  
Additional Solicitor General further stated, “These two cases are discussions about the supremacy of the law and the abuse of the law, Your Honour! I am here today in this court with embarrassment. Why, you may ask? It is because I had to come to court under police protection, Your Honour. Isn’t that something to be embarrassed about? It is a sign of a failed state. Therefore, the Criminal Investigation Department and the Attorney General must together conclude the investigations promptly and take steps to proceed with the cases against these suspects.”  
He also requested that all electronic devices used by suspect Tennakoon during his 20-day period in hiding be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department for investigation purposes. The Magistrate, after reviewing the matter, approved both requests.