-By Legal Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -19.March.2025, 10.50 PM) It seems Sri Lanka's former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandhu Tennakoon, took the phrase "long arm of the law" a little too seriously—because he spent days outrunning it. After what felt like a live-action episode of Catch Me If You Can, the fugitive former top cop finally emerged from the shadows and surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
But, true to form, he didn’t show up alone. Oh no. He made his grand courtroom entrance flanked by a legal army—50 lawyers, fresh from Colombo, dressed to litigate and intimidate. Rumor has it, their fees were generously bankrolled by former Public Security Minister Tiran Alas. The question remains: who exactly is trying to save this man, and why?
Despite the theatrics, the Matara Magistrate was having none of it. Tennakoon was promptly remanded until tomorrow, his legal lifeline—a writ petition to the Court of Appeal to suspend the magistrate’s directive—was unceremoniously rejected.
This sets up a legal circus of epic proportions, as the courts now grapple with a fundamental question: Should a man accused of orchestrating extrajudicial killings and an assassination conspiracy be granted bail?
For those who missed the memo, here’s a quick recap of what’s at stake:
Tennakoon is accused of ordering an extrajudicial hit using a paramilitary gang and Colombo Crime Division (CCD) officers.
The attack resulted in one confirmed death and nearly took out the owner of W15, a luxury boutique hotel, who also happens to hold British nationality.
The botched operation unfolded in a tourist hotspot on New Year’s Eve 2023, making it a global embarrassment.
A white van (Sri Lanka’s favorite ominous symbol) with license plate PK 7225 was allegedly used in the attack. But who owns it? That mystery remains unsolved.
The Weligama police unit, responding to the scene, mistook the armed assailants in civilian clothing for an organized crime gang and opened fire on them, further complicating the fiasco.
Tennakoon now argues that he was merely "waiting for his writ petition" before surrendering. Because, of course, every innocent man hides out in someone else’s house while their appeal is pending. Seems legit, right?
The Sri Lankan judiciary and Attorney General’s Office should pay attention to international legal norms, which explicitly prohibit extrajudicial killings. Such actions are recognized as violations of jus cogens, a fundamental principle of international law that cannot be derogated under any circumstances.
For example, in the United States, the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA) establishes civil liability for extrajudicial killings. If Tennakoon’s alleged crimes had occurred on U.S. soil, he wouldn’t just be fighting for bail—he’d be facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit and a one-way ticket to a maximum-security prison.
Given the gravity of the accusations, Sri Lankan courts must not succumb to legal gymnastics and grant bail to a suspect who:
Has a proven track record of evading justice (see: disappearing act in Matara).
Possesses deep police and political connections that could be used to tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses.
Has direct links to an assassination attempt involving paramilitary forces.
Could exploit his wife’s legal expertise to influence the Attorney General’s Office.
Let’s be clear: any lawyer arguing for bail on behalf of Tennakoon is essentially asking the court to take a man accused of orchestrating an assassination and let him walk free on a technicality.
If this isn’t a legal comedy in the making, I don’t know what is. Imagine granting anticipatory bail to someone who anticipated his own arrest by going into hiding!
The law demands consistency. If an ordinary citizen involved in a conspiracy to murder was caught dodging court orders, would they be granted bail? Absolutely not. So why should Tennakoon—a man who once ran the entire police force—get special treatment?
Tennakoon’s legal team will undoubtedly throw every possible argument at the wall, hoping something sticks. Here’s what we can expect:
"Security Concerns" – Yes, it’s a dangerous world out there, but let’s not forget that this man used to control the security apparatus. If he’s worried about his safety, perhaps it’s an indirect admission of guilt?
"Political Targeting" – A classic move. When all else fails, blame the opposition, international conspiracies, or even astrological misfortune.
"Awaiting Legal Process" – Funny how some people suddenly become patient and law-abiding after being caught. Where was this legal enthusiasm when he was in hiding?
"No Direct Evidence" – Ah yes, the "ghost commander" defense. If you order a hit through subordinates, does it make you any less responsible? Absolutely not.
Tennakoon should remain remanded until his full hearing. Here’s why:
National security risks – A former IGP with access to intelligence networks, law enforcement contacts, and potential political backers cannot be allowed to manipulate the system.
Witness intimidation – If released, there is a high likelihood that he will use his influence to obstruct the case.
Flight risk – The man already went into hiding once. What’s stopping him from doing it again?
At the end of the day, the Sri Lankan judiciary must set a precedent—that no one, not even a former IGP, is above the law.
A suspect who orchestrated a hit squad, evaded arrest, and now hides behind legal technicalities does not deserve bail. His continued remand is not just a matter of legal procedure; it is a matter of justice, public trust, and the integrity of the Sri Lankan legal system.
So, should Deshabandhu Tennakoon be released?
Absolutely not.
Should he face the full force of the law?
Absolutely yes.
And should his legal team get an award for creative fiction?
Let’s wait and see how absurd their arguments get.
-By Legal Correspondent
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by (2025-03-19 17:17:00)
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