A senior police officer has confirmed that authorities have taken extensive measures to prevent Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is wanted for arrest under a court order in connection with the Weligama incident, from fleeing the country.
Given the risk of escape, a travel ban has been issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court, and the order has been communicated to immigration officers at airports and ports to block any legal departure. Additionally, steps have been taken to prevent any attempt to flee the country illegally by boat.
Extensive Search Operations Underway
Over the past few days, police have conducted searches at two residences in Hokandara and Giriulla where Mr. Tennakoon had been residing, as well as at the homes of close associates he frequently visited. Furthermore, plainclothes officers have been deployed around the residences of several politicians known to have strong ties with him, closely monitoring whether he is receiving protection from them.
Authorities believe that in light of these developments, Mr. Tennakoon may surrender to the police or the courts today with the assistance of a lawyer. Meanwhile, special attention is also being directed toward hotels and apartment complexes where he is suspected to be hiding.
The Weligama Shooting Incident
The incident in question took place on December 31, 2023, when a group of officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) arrived in Weligama, Matara, in a van with fake number plates. In the middle of the night, they opened fire at the W15 Hotel, which belongs to the son of former Uva Province Governor A.J.M. Muzammil.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of Weligama Police officers, including a military member, arrived at the scene. The CCD officers, who were in civilian clothing and armed with T-56 rifles, did not identify themselves and attempted to flee upon seeing the police vehicle. The Weligama Police pursued the van and signaled it to stop. However, instead of complying, the CCD officers accelerated, ramming into the police cab.
In an attempt to halt their escape, the military member in the police cab fired shots at the fleeing van. Despite this, the vehicle continued at high speed. Alerted via police radio, the Expressway Security Police intercepted the van as it approached the expressway entrance.
Upon stopping the vehicle, CCD officers claimed they were conducting a special investigation under higher police orders and attempted to proceed to Colombo. However, officers noticed bullet holes in the rear window and discovered an unconscious man inside, bleeding profusely. The injured individual was rushed to Matara Hospital but succumbed to excessive blood loss before receiving medical treatment.
Unraveling the Truth Behind the Shooting
Subsequent investigations revealed that no gunfire originated from the direction of the hotel. Forensic analysis found no evidence to support the claim that a shot had been fired from the hotel at the CCD officers. Instead, it was confirmed that CCD officers had aimed their weapons at the W15 Hotel.
The CCD initially stated that a shot fired from the hotel had struck a sergeant. However, investigators questioned why the CCD officers fled like criminals when a uniformed police team arrived in a marked vehicle. It was later established that the sergeant had been shot by a soldier who fired at the escaping CCD van.
Police authorities in the Southern Province faced significant pressure from higher-ups to arrest the soldier, arguing that his actions were unlawful. However, when officers refused to comply, senior officials retaliated by transferring several high-ranking officers. Among them was Senior DIG Sajeewa Medawatte, who was removed from his position as Southern Provincial Police Chief and reassigned to the Police Academy.
Links to Controversial Officers and Past Crimes
Police sources have revealed that several members of the CCD team involved in the Weligama incident had previously been implicated in controversial cases. The deceased sergeant, in particular, was known to have inside knowledge of several unlawful activities. On multiple occasions, he had reportedly threatened—while under the influence of alcohol—to expose illegal operations involving certain CCD officers.
The Matara Magistrate’s Court has issued arrest warrants for eight suspected officers in connection with the Weligama shooting, including Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon. Many of these officers have been linked to criminal activities, including shootings, attacks on homes by underworld groups, and incidents involving the use of excrement as a form of intimidation.
Authorities believe that the arrest and interrogation of these officers could unveil crucial information about multiple unresolved crimes in Colombo. Meanwhile, police sources report that a key inspector central to the case is currently missing and has been classified as an officer who has abandoned his post.
Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe – Dinamina
