Anyone helping Deshabandu to evade arrest will face the law

By Norman Palihawadane

Legal action will be taken against anyone found assisting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon in evading arrest, Police Media Spokesman, SSP Buddhika Manathunga, warned on Thursday.

A warrant has been issued for Tennakoon’s arrest, and authorities have made it clear that any individual aiding him will also be held accountable under the law.

Investigations have so far found no evidence suggesting that Tennakoon has left the country, and a travel ban has been imposed to prevent him from fleeing abroad. Multiple police teams have been deployed to track him down, while the public has been urged to provide any information regarding his whereabouts to the CID.

“He is currently evading the law, and authorities will proceed with his arrest under the same legal procedures applicable to any suspect failing to comply with a court order,” SSP Manathunga stated.

Meanwhile, police have reported a surge in gun violence, with 19 shooting incidents recorded between January and 5 March this year. Of these, 12 were linked to organised criminal gangs, while seven stemmed from personal disputes.

A total of 68 suspects have been arrested, and law enforcement has recovered six T-56 assault rifles, two pistols, and five other firearms used in these crimes. Additionally, authorities have seized eight motorcycles, two cars, a van, and two three-wheelers that were used in recent shootings.