Sri Lanka’s Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakoon Surrenders After Evasion

Deshabandu Tennakoon, Sri Lanka’s suspended police chief, surrendered after evading arrest for two weeks. His arrest follows a court order related to a December 2023 shooting incident involving undercover operations. Despite a previous suspension and ongoing legal issues, his actions highlight significant issues within law enforcement.

Deshabandu Tennakoon, the suspended inspector general of police in Sri Lanka, surrendered to authorities on March 19, 2025, following more than two weeks of evasion. He presented himself at the magistrate’s court in Matara after a court order mandated his arrest due to a shooting incident in December 2023. Subsequently, he was remanded for one day in custody.

Tennakoon had been a fugitive since February 28, 2025, when the Magistrate’s Court ordered his apprehension. The court’s decision came after he lost an appeal aimed at blocking his arrest; the Court of Appeal rejected the plea without conducting a hearing.

Having been suspended since July 2024, Tennakoon’s troubles intensified following a tragic incident linked to a police raid he had coordinated in Weligama, targeting illegal drug activities. In an unfortunate turn of events, local police, unaware of this operation, mistook the Colombo Crime Division officers for adversaries and opened fire, resulting in one officer’s death.

In response to his evasion, the police launched a significant manhunt, deploying six teams to locate him while simultaneously appealing for public assistance. The Supreme Court had previously suspended Tennakoon regarding his appointment as inspector general due to ongoing legal challenges, including prior allegations of torture of a detainee.

Following a search of his residence in Hokandara on Tuesday night, law enforcement recovered over 1,200 bottles of imported liquor and several personal effects. The police minister later reported these findings to Parliament, while Tennakoon’s wife, who serves as his legal counsel, claimed the raid was executed without appropriate legal authority.

Deshabandu Tennakoon’s return to law enforcement scrutiny underscores the ongoing challenges within the Sri Lankan police system. His initial evasion reflects the complexities of legal accountability in high-ranking positions. The subsequent arrest and confiscation of evidence signal the need for comprehensive reform and rigorous legal scrutiny of law enforcement personnel. As the case unfolds, it may prompt more significant inquiries into police conduct and governance.

Original Source: indianexpress.com