Govt. remains mum on disciplinary action against fugitive IGP 

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa 

• Faces pressure over suspended IGP evading arrest for over 20 days
• Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says he could not provide direct response on next course of action
• Asserts law will be applied equally to all individuals
• Citizens of the People’s Struggle organisation requests CID to seek Court order to freeze Thennakoon’s assets

By Charumini de Silva

The Government remains tight-lipped on possible disciplinary action against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Thennakoon, who has evaded arrest for over 20 days despite a Court-issued warrant.

Addressing the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that he could not provide a direct response on the next course of action.

“The Government’s stance is that Thennakoon who is absconding should be arrested,” he said, adding that there are already six Criminal Investigation Department (CID) groups deployed to octane and arrest the suspended IGP.

Dr. Jayatissa asserted that the law will be applied equally to all individuals.

However, journalists at the briefing raised concerns over the apparent double standards in handling the case. They pointed out that six other suspects, including the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) Officer-in-Charge (OIC), who provided statements regarding the case, were suspended. In contrast, Thennakoon has not faced similar disciplinary measures despite absconding.

They also questioned how Thennakoon’s lawyers were able to locate him to file a writ petition against his arrest, yet the CID had failed to do so, calling into question the efficiency and commitment of law enforcement in pursuing the fugitive IGP.

Some even speculated whether the Police Department was divided between Thennakoon and others, raising serious concerns over institutional integrity.

Adding to the mounting pressure, the Citizens of the People’s Struggle organisation yesterday formally requested the CID to seek a Court order to freeze Thennakoon’s assets.

Speaking to the media after submitting a complaint to the CID, the organisation’s General Secretary Chanaka Bandara stated that the move should be carried out under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. 

The group asserted that over 20 days had passed since the Matara Magistrate’s Court issued an arrest warrant on 27 February, yet authorities had failed to locate and detain him.

In its letter to the CID, Citizens of the People’s Struggle urged the authorities to act in accordance with Sections 60, 61(1) and 61(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code stating: “Although you have submitted to the Court that despite searching Thennakoon’s possible hiding places, he could not be arrested. We request the Department to take necessary steps to freeze his assets.”

Thennakoon’s arrest warrant stems from a 2023 Weligama shooting, in which his involvement was confirmed. Since going into hiding, his legal team has attempted to overturn the warrant, but the Court of Appeal on Monday (17) dismissed the request. 

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Public Security Ministry has forwarded a letter to the Secretary to the President, calling for disciplinary action against Thennakoon. 

When asked by the Cabinet Spokesman to confirm the matter, Dr. Jayatissa requested the media to remain patient and trust the process, citing that details regarding the matter will be shared soon.