LNP – Deshabandu is more dangerous than Harak Kata: ASG Deelipa Peeris

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris yesterday informed the Matara Magistrate’s Court that Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon is a more dangerous organized criminal than Harak Kata and Makandure Madush.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris appearing for prosecution said that Deshabandu Tennakoon has extensively misused his power for personal gains while serving in the Police Department.

“He has been living in society like a ghost. He is worse than organized criminals like ‘Harak Kata’ and ‘Makandure Madush.’ He has misused his power extensively. Therefore, we request that he be remanded without bail until investigations are complete,” Peeris stated.

The Matara Chief Magistrate ordered the remanding of Deshabandu Tennakoon until today (20) after he surrendered before the court. Tennakoon, who had evaded law enforcement for nearly three weeks, appeared before the Matara Magistrate’s Court earlier yesterday.

Addressing the court, Additional Solicitor General Peeris stated:

“Your Honor, for the past 20 days, authorities have been searching for this individual. Yet, he has managed to evade capture and suddenly appears before this court without anyone noticing. This must be investigated. He is unfit even for the rank of a police constable, let alone the position of IGP. This is an insult to police officers,” Peeris said.

Peeris further informed court that investigations have revealed that Deshabandu Tennakoon owns eight houses, and his name has not appeared in the electoral register since 2020.

President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe who appeared for Tennakoon sought for his client be released on bail.

After reviewing the submissions, Magistrate Arun Indrajith Buddhadasa stated that a decision regarding bail would be announced on March 20.

Accordingly, The Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon, was remanded till March 20, pending a decision on his bail application.