Acting IGP Testifies in Weligama Shooting Probe

COLOMBO (News 1st); Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya appeared before the three-member committee appointed to investigate the allegations outlined in the proposal to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from office.

A key focus of the inquiry was the 2023 Weligama W15 Hotel shooting, one of the central allegations against Tennakoon.

It is alleged that he misused his authority by deploying officers from the Colombo Crimes Division for personal reasons, resulting in a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a police officer.

During the proceedings, Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, who chairs the committee, questioned the Acting IGP on the progress of the investigation. 

Weerasooriya confirmed that two separate investigations are ongoing and that all seven individuals involved have been named as suspects. 

He acknowledged that the incident severely damaged public trust in the police and stated that the officers had entered the premises covertly, without proper identification, and later attempted to flee. He also revealed that false information had been provided to the department.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris pressed further, questioning the Acting IGP on actions taken, unauthorized promotions granted to the deceased officer, and the disbursement of public funds. 

Weerasooriya confirmed that:
- Evidence had been tampered with or destroyed.
- An inquiry into the unauthorized promotions is underway.

He also confirmed that Minister Tiran Alles, who was in charge of public security at the time, was aware of the operation and directly involved. 

The operation, he said, was jointly conducted by the IGP and the Minister, which also formed the basis for a joint media briefing held at the time.

The committee is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow.