The Attorney General’s Department yesterday (19 March) objected to bail for suspended Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, asserting that he dodged law enforcement for weeks despite an active arrest warrant. Tennakoon, sought for his alleged role in the 2023 W15 Hotel shooting in Weligama, turned himself in to the Matara Magistrate’s Court on March 19, where he was ordered to remain in custody until today (20 March).
Representing the AG’s Department, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris addressed the court:
“Your Honour, I learned this morning that the suspect, who had an outstanding warrant, arrived at the Matara court in a lavish Benz car, dressed sharply in a suit, and was casually seated inside the premises. It was only after hearing this that I chose to appear here. This individual seems to think he can stroll into court like a cunning fox, slip past empty cells, and secure bail without informing us. Even when I arrived, he was sitting comfortably on a bench in formal attire. Your Honour, I must ask—why is he on a bench instead of behind bars? He is a criminal, and criminals shouldn’t swagger into court with such boldness. He ought to be groveling.
He turned off his phone and avoided capture for roughly 20 days. He’s no different from notorious figures like Makandure Madush or Harak Kata. Furthermore, he’s a master of deception, showing up in court only when he ran out of options. This suspect even listed Your Honour as the primary respondent in a petition he submitted to the Court of Appeal, alleging a conspiracy by this very court. While serving as IGP, this suspect once accused lawyers of shielding criminals. Yet now, he’s surrounded himself with legal counsel to face this court. Your Honour, this isn’t just about the W15 hotel shooting—it’s a clear demonstration of karmic retribution. He doesn’t need a lecture on karma; he’s living it.
Your Honour, after the warrant was issued, a huge police effort was mounted to track him down, akin to a hunt for Prabhakaran. He leveraged his social and religious connections to stay hidden until just yesterday. The address he provided as his home is occupied by a Buddhist monk. Recently, police interrogated officials, politicians, and others about his location. He’s struck deals with powerful figures.
A search of his residence uncovered 795 bottles of liquor valued at over a hundred million rupees, along with more than 100 gift hampers. While government workers struggle to get basic gifts, how did he acquire these? His house isn’t merely a residence—it’s a liquor warehouse. Nothing is registered under his name, yet he controls about eight properties. This makes him more dangerous than typical organized criminals. He’s a phantom. Given his status and the severity of the charges, releasing him could jeopardize the investigation.”
Defending Tennakoon, President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe argued: ‘Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, my client sought relief through a filing with the Court of Appeal. After that was denied, he willingly presented himself to the court this morning. As IGP, he spearheaded the ‘Yukthiya’ operation, which led to the arrest and imprisonment of numerous criminals. If he is to be held in custody, his safety must be guaranteed.’
After considering both sides, the Matara Magistrate’s Court decided to keep Tennakoon in custody until March 20, when a ruling on his bail application would be made.”
