On March 23, 2025, the name Deshabandu Tennakoon continues to dominate headlines in Sri Lanka as the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) faces a dramatic legal battle following his arrest. The unfolding events surrounding Deshabandu Tennakoon's arrest have gripped the nation, with details emerging about his personal life, allegations of misconduct, and a high-profile court case that has raised questions about justice and accountability.

Deshabandu Tennakoon Remanded in Matara


Tennakoon’s legal troubles escalated when he surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court on March 19, 2025, after evading arrest for nearly three weeks. Following his surrender, Deshabandu Tennakoon was remanded until April 3, 2025, as ordered by the court. The decision to keep him in custody came after a tense courtroom session where prosecutors strongly opposed bail, citing his alleged involvement in a deadly 2023 shooting incident in Weligama. This development has solidified the Deshabandu Tennakoon court case as one of the most watched legal proceedings in recent Sri Lankan history.
The Deshabandu Tennakoon remanded Matara ruling followed an arrest warrant issued on February 28, 2025, linked to the botched drug raid that resulted in the death of a Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) officer. Tennakoon, who was the IGP at the time, is accused of orchestrating the operation, which led to a fatal confrontation with local police. His subsequent evasion of authorities only intensified public and legal scrutiny.

Deshabandu Tennakoon Home Liquor Bottles: A Shocking Discovery


Adding fuel to the controversy, a police raid on Tennakoon’s residence uncovered a staggering cache of Deshabandu Tennakoon home liquor bottles. Reports indicate that authorities seized over 1,000 bottles, including 795 bottles of foreign liquor and 214 bottles of wine, alongside a firearm and two mobile phones. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed these findings in Parliament, prompting speculation about the source of such a vast collection and its implications for Tennakoon’s financial dealings. The discovery has raised eyebrows and led to calls for further investigation into how a senior police official amassed such wealth.

Deshabandu Tennakoon Family and Personal Life

While the spotlight remains on Tennakoon’s legal woes, little is known about Deshabandu Tennakoon’s family. His wife, a lawyer, has emerged as a figure in the saga, lodging a complaint with local police alleging that the raid on their home was conducted without a warrant. This has sparked debates about the legality of the search and the involvement of Deshabandu Tennakoon’s wife in supporting her husband’s defense. Details about Deshabandu Tennakoon’s son or other family members remain scarce, as the focus has largely stayed on the former IGP himself.
Tennakoon’s age is not widely publicized, but his long career in law enforcement suggests he is a seasoned veteran, having risen through the ranks to become Sri Lanka’s top police official before his suspension in July 2024. His tenure was marred by controversy, including a Supreme Court ruling that found him guilty of torturing a suspect, for which he was ordered to pay compensation.

Deshabandu Tennakoon News: A Fall from Grace

The Deshabandu Tennakoon news cycle has been relentless, chronicling his fall from a powerful law enforcement figure to a fugitive and now a remanded suspect. After the Court of Appeal rejected his petition to quash the arrest warrant on March 17, 2025, Tennakoon had no choice but to surrender. The prosecution painted a damning picture, with Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris labeling him “more dangerous than organized criminals like Harak Kata and Makandure Madush,” accusing him of misusing his authority for personal gain.
Tennakoon’s transfer to Dumbara Prison after initially being held at Angunukolapelessa Prison underscores the gravity of the situation. The Matara Magistrate also ordered legal action against those who aided him in evading arrest, hinting at a broader network that may have supported him during his time on the run.

Public Reaction and What Lies Ahead

The Deshabandu Tennakoon arrest has polarized public opinion. Some view him as a disgraced official who betrayed the trust of the police force, while others question whether he is being unfairly targeted. As the Deshabandu Tennakoon court case progresses, the nation awaits answers about his alleged crimes, the origins of the liquor stockpile, and the role his family may play in the unfolding drama.
With Tennakoon remanded until April 3, 2025, the coming weeks promise more revelations in this high-stakes saga. For now, Deshabandu Tennakoon remains a symbol of both power and controversy, his fate hanging in the balance as Sri Lanka watches closely.

Deshabandu Tennakoon Arrest and Remand
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, born on March 7, 1971, was remanded until April 3, 2025, by the Matara Magistrate’s Court in connection with a 2023 shooting incident near the W15 Hotel in Weligama. Tennakoon, who had been evading arrest for nearly 20 days, surrendered to the court on March 19, 2025, and was transferred to Angunakolapelessa Prison under special security

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Liquor Bottles Found at Tennakoon’s Home
During an inspection of Tennakoon’s residence in Hokandara, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials seized 795 foreign liquor bottles and 214 wine bottles. Additionally, a pistol believed to belong to him and two brand-new iPhones were discovered. These items were handed over to the Matara Magistrate’s Court as part of the ongoing investigation

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Family Involvement
The CID recorded statements from Tennakoon’s wife and son at their Hokandara residence. Both family members claimed to be unaware of his whereabouts during the period he was evading arrest

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Court Case Details
The Matara Magistrate’s Court had issued an arrest warrant for Tennakoon and seven other police officers in connection with the unauthorized shooting operation that resulted in the death of a police officer. The Court of Appeal dismissed Tennakoon’s writ petition seeking to prevent his arrest, leading to his eventual surrender

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Public and Legal Reactions
Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris opposed bail for Tennakoon, describing him as a notorious organized criminal. Tennakoon’s legal team argued for his release on bail, citing his cooperation with law enforcement during the Yukthiya operation. However, the court denied bail, and Tennakoon remains in custody

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This case has raised significant concerns about accountability within Sri Lanka’s law enforcement agencies, particularly regarding the use of violence and the conduct of high-ranking officials.