Action to Be Taken Against Deshabandu Tennakoon for Evading Authorities

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Attorney Sunil Watagala said that if the former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, who has a warrant issued for his arrest, continues to abscond, legal steps will be taken to seize his assets.

He emphasized that the status of a suspect, whether a former Prime Minister, former President, or even a former Inspector General of Police, does not matter in the eyes of the law. 

The focus, he stated, is on the fact that Deshabandu Tennakoon, is a suspect who has been evading arrest. 

Deputy Minister Watagala questioned why Tennakoon is hiding, asserting that if he had done nothing wrong, there would be no reason for him to abscond.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that the police are actively searching for Tennakoon, but he continues to evade the police. 

He also warned that if Tennakoon does not come forward soon, the authorities would proceed with other legal remedies. 

Watagala referred to a circular issued on January 21, 2025, and signed by Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya. The circular makes it clear that if an individual commits a crime, avoids court proceedings, and has an arrest warrant issued against them, their property both movable and immovable,can be seized.

Deshabandu Tennakoon was reportedly given time to explain himself but has failed to come forward. 

As a result, the authorities are prepared to take steps under sections 60, 61, and 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 

While these laws have not been widely used in the past, the Deputy Minister confirmed that they are ready to be implement these provisions.

Deputy Minister Watagala made it clear that Tennakoon's wealth, which is under scrutiny, must be explained.