Deshabandu Tennakoon Grilled Over Harak Kata Operation

COLOMBO (News 1st); Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon appeared for the second time before the special inquiry committee investigating allegations of abuse of power during his tenure, on Wednesday (28).

The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice P. Pathman Surasena, heard submissions from President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Weerawickrama, who represented Tennakoon, and Deputy Solicitor General Dilip Peiris, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.

Weerawickrama acknowledged that among the 21 charges brought against his client, some may contain factual inaccuracies, and requested to correct them.

As Peiris did not object, the committee granted approval for the corrections.

Peiris then sought permission to present several proposals and highlighted a key incident from December 29, 2023, where Tennakoon allegedly led a meeting in Colombo and inquired about the progress of investigations into the underworld figure known as “Harak Kata.”

According to Peiris, Tennakoon ordered the arrest of 149 individuals linked to Harak Kata, which led to a police operation in Weligama, Matara on December 30.

That night, a team of eight officers from the Colombo Crimes Division was dispatched to the area, where a shooting incident occurred.

Tennakoon responded by stating that he had only instructed that a police team be sent, but did not specify which team or vehicle should be used.

He emphasized that operational decisions were the responsibility of the Colombo Crimes Division Director.

Peiris further questioned why local police officials, including the Southern Province DIG and the Weligama OIC, were not informed of the operation.

Tennakoon replied that during his three-year tenure as Director of the Matara Police Division, he had observed that some officers were intimidated by Harak Kata and even acted in his favor. Therefore, he chose not to inform them.

Justice Surasena reminded all parties to limit their responses strictly to the questions posed.

Peiris noted that three cases are currently pending against Tennakoon and assured the committee that he would not present anything that could prejudice those proceedings. He requested that key witnesses be summoned and questioned directly, as the investigation should not be prolonged unnecessarily.

Weerawickrama objected, stating that the process appeared to be aimed at removing his client from office. He challenged the committee to summon Neville de Silva, suggesting that the inquiry was politically motivated.

Peiris responded that only essential witnesses would be brought in person, while others would submit affidavits. Weerawickrama insisted that any affidavits be shared with the defense in advance.

The committee agreed that affidavits must be submitted to the defense before the next hearing on June 3, and that additional evidence would be presented on that date.

The defense is expected to respond by June 9, and a key witness will be summoned on June 11.

The committee will then convene continuously from June 16 to examine witnesses.