The Matara Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of six suspects, including suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and their production before the court.

The order has been issued in connection with a shooting incident that took place near the W15 Hotel in Palana, Weligama of Matara on 31 December 2023.

According to legal proceedings under case number 6314/23, the suspects, including suspended IGP Tennakoon and Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) OIC Anselm de Silva, are accused of conspiracy to commit murder.

The incident occurred while police were conducting a raid. A police officer was killed, and another was injured in the exchange of gunfire. The deceased has been identified as a Police Sergeant attached to the CCD.

The shooting took place in the early hours of 31 December when Weligama Police pursued a van linked to the attack. An exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the Police Sergeant’s death and another officer sustaining injuries.