The ongoing investigation into the Weligama incident is primarily based on evidence submitted by supporters of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, according to Sanjeewa Weerawickrama, legal counsel for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennekoon. He conveyed this during proceedings before the special commission probing allegations against the IGP.
Weerawickrama noted that future developments in the case may similarly rely on evidence from political affiliates. In response, Commission Chairman Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena stressed the importance of neutrality in the investigation and said all witnesses including those from the NPP may be summoned to assess the credibility of the evidence.
During the session, IGP Tennekoon revealed that several police officers in the Southern Province are allegedly involved in a drug trafficking network linked to underworld figure Harak Kata. He suggested that fear and personal benefit had motivated some officers, particularly those from Matara to collaborate with the drug syndicate.
Justice Surasena advised the IGP to avoid unsolicited comments during this stage of the inquiry, assuring him that he would be granted an opportunity to present a full defense later.
Tennekoon also clarified that he had only authorized the arrest of individuals who had communicated with Harak Kata and denied forming or assigning any operational teams. He added that he first became aware of the Weligama incident on December 31.
The proceedings also saw a heated exchange between Counsel Weerawickrama and Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris. Weerawickrama accused ASG Peeris of withholding documents—an allegation that ASG Peeris firmly denied. The Commission Chairman intervened, calling on both legal teams to maintain decorum and uphold professional standards throughout the inquiry.
(dailymirror.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirrot.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)