News

Search continues as Deshabandu’s whereabouts remain unknown

Published

2 weeks ago

March 3, 2025

editor

CID officials recently conducted extensive searches at five locations, believed to be linked to the whereabouts of former Inspector General of Police, Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Tennakoon, who has been suspended following a court order for his arrest.

Searches were conducted at two residences in major housing complexes near Colombo, along with three other properties located in Colombo and Kurunegala.

Despite the thorough investigations, authorities reported that no significant leads regarding the former IGP’s location were uncovered.

The Matara Magistrate’s Court had issued an arrest order on February 27, 2025, for Tennakoon and five other officers. The charges are related to an incident that occurred on December 31, 2023, when members of the Colombo Crime Branch allegedly opened fire on the W15 Hotel in Weligama, a popular tourist destination in the Matara area. During the altercation, one sergeant from the Crime Branch was killed, and another officer sustained injuries.

The W15 Hotel is owned by Hisham (Hardy) Jamaldeen, the son of former Uva Provincial Governor – A.J.M. Mohammed.

The case is currently under investigation, with the CID working to apprehend the individuals involved.

As of now, the search for Deshabandu Tennakoon and the other suspects is continuing.

News

Boossa Prison jailor remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

Published

59 minutes ago

March 17, 2025

editor

A Jailor at the Boossa Prison, who had brought underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” to court on the day he was killed inside the Hulftsdorp court premises, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Subsequently, he has been ordered to be remanded until March 21, after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Presenting the suspect to the court, the Colombo Crimes Division officials have stated that the murdered suspect, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”, had been brought to court by the arrested Jailer on the day of the assassination.

Police informed the court that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was committed due to the Jailor’s dereliction of duty.

Police also pointed out to the court that investigations have revealed that the suspected prison officer had not taken any steps to arrest the individual who shot at “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” within the court premises and fled.

During the trial, police also requested permission to obtain a record of the suspect’s mobile phone calls for further investigations.

The court granted permission for the requests and ordered the suspect to be remanded until March 21.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)