IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon, who had been remanded in custody, was produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court, where his counsel requested bail. Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, strongly objected to the request.
According to a full report published by the BBC Sinhala website:
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today ordered the release on bail of IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon, who had been remanded on suspicion of involvement in the 2023 shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama, Matara.
The court granted bail with two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million each.
Tennakoon’s lawyers had filed a bail application at the previous court hearing, arguing that there were no complaints suggesting their client had influenced witnesses or obstructed the ongoing investigation. Matara Additional Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa issued today’s bail order accordingly.
In issuing the order, the Magistrate also directed that the suspect must not attempt to influence witnesses, warning that any such complaints would lead to the cancellation of bail and further legal action.
In delivering the bail ruling, the Magistrate emphasized that the prosecution had been given ample time to conduct investigations into the suspect. As it had not been demonstrated that further detention was necessary for ongoing investigations, and given that other suspects connected to the same incident had already been granted bail, the court was issuing the order based on the principle of equality.
Reading from the 16-page bail order, the Magistrate stated:
“It is the legal responsibility of the court to punish the person who committed the crime and to provide justice to the victim. The court cannot abandon the desire to create a better society free of or limited to crime, and it is also necessary to accept the presumption of innocence of the suspects. After considering the facts of the case, the court is of the opinion that a crucial moment has now arisen between the two issues of assisting the investigation process and protecting the freedom of the individual.”
The court concluded that the prosecution had been provided with reasonable time to investigate the suspect, and further inquiries could continue without his detention. Although the prosecution had presented allegations under the Public Property Act, the court noted that six other suspects had already been released on bail and decided to treat Tennakoon’s application similarly.
Following the announcement of the bail order, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris stated:
“Your Honor, I intend to file a revision petition in the High Court against this bail order. I respect your decision. However, this is not the right time to grant bail to this suspect. Since the suspect’s remand, significant new evidence has emerged. Witnesses are not coming forward voluntarily; it is only through careful inquiry that evidence is being gathered. If news of this suspect’s release spreads, witnesses may become fearful and hesitant to provide new evidence.”
Peiris further elaborated:
“Your Honor, this suspect is the main conspirator in the incident. Evidence from the DIG shows he videotaped the hotel before the shooting. He allegedly acted out of personal animosity toward the hotel owners. Additional evidence indicates he communicated with police officers at the Imaduwa Expressway entrance. The suspect’s past and subsequent conduct must be considered. A police sergeant died in the incident. In response, Rs. 1.5 million was paid from the police fund, and then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe intervened to pay another Rs. 2.5 million as compensation to the family of the deceased. This form of compensation was illegal. Investigators are expected to record a statement from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding this matter. The suspect attempted to conceal the incident through this unlawful compensation.”
After the bail ruling, defense attorneys requested that Tennakoon be permitted to travel by vehicle from the courtroom to the exit gate for his safety. The Additional Solicitor General opposed the request, stating:
“Sir, I oppose this request. What if tomorrow, after getting bail, he asks for permission to go out safely elsewhere? This suspect had been in hiding for about 20 days, under security.”
It is also noteworthy that although the bail order was scheduled to be announced in the morning, the Magistrate postponed the announcement twice during the day, citing technical reasons.
Tennakoon, who had been held at Dumbara Prison, was transported to the Matara Magistrate’s Court under tight security for the hearing.
The next hearing has been scheduled for May 22.
