AG to file indictments against Deshabandu within month over ‘Aragalaya’ attack probe

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon

The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka that indictments are expected to be filed within one month against former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Thennakoon in connection with investigations into the 2022 attack on Aragalaya protesters at Galle Face Green.

The disclosure was made on Monday during the hearing of an appeal filed by the Attorney General challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that quashed a directive issued to the Criminal Investigation Department to name Thennakoon as a suspect in the case.

The matter was heard before a three-judge bench comprising Justices A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Wijeratne.

Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing for the Attorney General, informed Court that steps would be taken to file indictments against Thennakoon within one month.

Chief Justice Nawaz, who presided over the bench, questioned how long the process would take before the Deputy Solicitor General provided the timeline.

Senior Counsel Romesh de Silva, appearing for Thennakoon, submitted that if indictments were filed against his client, the continuation of the present proceedings would become invalid.

Following submissions by both parties, the Supreme Court fixed the matter for further hearing on 2 September 2026.