Suspended Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon has reportedly requested police protection, citing threats to his life, allegedly from underworld figure Kanjipani Imran, several daily newspapers have reported today (2 May).

Accordingly, Tennakoon submitted a written request to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya on Thursday (1 May), following reports of a death threat issued by Imran. The request comes amid claims that Tennakoon’s personal security detail was withdrawn after he evaded arrest for two weeks in connection with a shooting incident.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that if a formal request has been received, it will be taken into consideration. He added that a threat assessment will be conducted to evaluate the risk to Tennakoon’s life, Daily Mirror reported.

Police said that appropriate security measures will be implemented if the assessment confirms a credible threat.