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 suspended IGP – Deshabandu Tennekoon.
He conveyed this during proceedings before the special commission probing allegations against Tennakoon.
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, 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 Tennakoon 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.
(Excerpts : dailymirror.lk)
