Former Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles is to visit the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (31) to record a statement about the shooting incident that occurred near the W15 Hotel in Weligama in 2023.

It was reported that the former minister had been summoned by the CID to record a statement regarding the incident, which caused the death of a Police Sergeant attached to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (30), Alles confirmed that he had been requested by the CID to record a statement. "They have requested me to record a statement." When asked as to whether he would appear before the CID, he said: "Of course, I am going there."

On 31 December 2023, a shooting incident occurred near the W15 Hotel in Pelena, Weligama, resulting in the death of a Police Sergeant and injuries to a Sub-Inspector of Police from the CCD. The CCD officers were in the area for a planned raid when they came under fire. Subsequent investigations revealed that the shooting involved officers from the CCD operating without proper authorisation.

The Matara Magistrate’s Court recently ordered the arrest of suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon and seven other CCD officers, charging them with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the incident. Tennakoon, who was evading arrest for about 20 days, later surrendered to the court and is currently in remand custody.