Open warrant issued against arrest-evading Deshabandu

Wednesday, 12 March 2025 05:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Deshabandu Thennakoon

Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday issued an open warrant against the suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Thennakoon following the request from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The CID informed the Matara Magistrate’s Court that 10 suspicious locations across the country had been inspected, and intelligence officers had been deployed to 18 other locations in an effort to arrest the former IGP.

On 10 March, Deshabandu filed a writ petition with the Court of Appeal, seeking an order to prevent his arrest.

The petition, filed through his legal representatives, requested that an interim injunction be issued to stay the arrest warrant issued against him by the Matara Magistrate’s Court.

Previously, the Matara Magistrate’s Court had issued the warrant in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in front of the W15 Hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama, Matara, on 31 December 2023.

On 6 March Sri Lanka Police announced that Deshabandu cannot be located and is evading arrest.

Sri Lanka Police had urged the public to report any information regarding his whereabouts to the CID.

Furthermore, the Police Spokesman emphasised that anyone assisting the former IGP in evading arrest, despite the pending warrant, will face legal action under Article 209 of the Penal Code.