The Court of Appeal prevents the arrest of Deshabandu Tenenekoon.
The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order preventing Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon from arresting him in connection with his alleged failure to prevent attacks on protesters at Galle Face on May 9, 2022.
The Court of Appeal further issued an interim order staying the communication issued by the Attorney General to the Inspector General of Police to name Deshabandu Tennakoon as a suspect for abetting in the commission of offences punishable under sections 314, 316, 343 and 300 of the Penal Code.
President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva, appearing for the Senior DIG Tennakoon, argued that the Attorney General has no power or authority to issue such a communication since CID did not seek such advice from the Attorney General. He further submitted to court that the communication issued by the Attorney General could and would be used to prevent his client from being appointed as the Inspector General of Police.
However, the Deputy Solicitor General, who was present before the court, moved for the court to record the fact that the Attorney General did not receive notices regarding this petition.
The Court of Appeal’s two-judge bench comprised Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and M.A.R. Marikkar. Romesh de Silva, PC, instructed by an attorney-at-law, Sanath Wijewardane, appeared for the petitioner.
