Matara Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa has ordered the immediate arrest of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon and five officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) in connection with the death of Sergeant Upul Kumara. The order follows a year-long magisterial inquiry that ruled the incident as a criminal act.

Background of the Incident

The case dates back to December 31, 2023, when a shooting occurred at the ‘W50’ hotel in Weligama, owned by the son of former Sabaragamuwa Governor A.J.M. Muzammil. A group traveling in a white van allegedly opened fire at the hotel, prompting Weligama Police to retaliate. The van was later intercepted at the Imaduwa Expressway entrance, where two occupants were shot. One of them, Sergeant Upul Kumara of the CCD, succumbed to his injuries, while the other—a Sub-Inspector—was hospitalized.

Operation Justice and Tiran Alles’ Link

Investigations revealed that the CCD was conducting a raid under ‘Operation Justice’ (Yukthiya) at the time of the incident. This anti-narcotics operation, launched under the directives of then Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, targeted individuals linked to major drug traffickers ‘Haraka Kata’ and ‘Midigama Ruwan’.

Following Sergeant Kumara’s death, Tiran Alles and Deshabandu Tennakoon reportedly paid Rs. 42 million as compensation to his family. Additionally, rumors suggest a possible land dispute between Muzammil’s son and Tiran Alles, which some speculate may have influenced the events leading up to the shooting.

Legal Developments

While no arrests have been made yet, the Matara Magistrate has ordered the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to immediately take the suspects into custody and produce them in court. This ruling follows a detailed 80-page verdict based on forensic reports and witness testimonies.

The case has now sparked broader discussions about the intersection of law enforcement, politics, and organized crime in Sri Lanka, as authorities move forward with further investigations.