Former Acting Police Officer Deshabandhu Tennakoon, along with other officers, has been remanded in custody pending a preliminary hearing led by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and a group of individuals. The case involves allegations surrounding the obstruction of a women’s protest organized by the National People’s Power during the 2023 Polduwa solidarity demonstration.
The hearing is set to take place before a bench of judges comprising Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando.
The respondents in the case include Deshabandhu Tennakoon and the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of the Welikada, Thalangama, Mirihana, and Nugegoda police stations.
The petition, filed in connection with the incident, claims that a group of individuals had peacefully gathered at the Polwatta Junction on December 4, 2023, to raise awareness about issues concerning women and to highlight the debate on the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. It alleges that the police unlawfully obstructed the assembly, thereby violating the participants’ fundamental rights.
The petitioners have urged the court to issue a declaration affirming the violation of their fundamental rights and to grant them appropriate compensation.
