- A pivotal moment for Police Service
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National Police Commission approves appointment
- Stalled probes to be expedited
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara has been reappointed as the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The appointment has been approved by the National Police Commission (NPC).
Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya had earlier sought the NPC’s approval for Abeysekera’s appointment. SSP Abeysekara’s return to the helm of the CID comes after nearly five years, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s criminal justice system. Having first joined the Police Department in 1986, Abeysekara rose through the ranks with a reputation for fearless and independent investigations.
His initial stint as Director of CID from 2017 to 2019 was characterised by several high-profile probes that drew both praise and criticism.
Among the most notable investigations under his leadership were the murder of journalist and Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, the disappearance of cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda, and probes into the controversial Avant-Garde maritime arms scandal.
His role in the investigations surrounding the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks further elevated his national profile. He earned accolades for his fearless handling of these cases, which involved several influential figures in politics and society.
However, following the change in political leadership in late 2019, Abeysekara was removed from his post and transferred to Galle as an Assistant to the Southern Province DIG. He was later interdicted over a series of leaked telephone recordings between him and former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake.
In August 2020, he was arrested and remanded till October that year on charges for allegedly fabricating false evidence with regard to a Court case against former senior police officer Vass Gunawardene in connection with the murder of prominent businessman Mohammed Siyam in 2013.
In August 2023, the allegations were proven to be unfounded and he was acquitted from all charges. He officially retired from the Police Department in 2021.
Abeysekara was recalled to the Police Service in October 2024 on a one-year contractual basis as Director (Crimes) to head a newly created division focusing on criminal intelligence and crime prevention.
His reappointment to the CID as its Director is being viewed in many quarters as an effort to restore public confidence in the independence and effectiveness of law enforcement under the new NPP administration.
SSP Abeysekara is expected to expedite several investigations that have been stalled due to various reasons. SSP Imesha Muthumala functioned as the CID Director until the appointment of SSP Abeysekara.
