The chief security officer of former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been transferred from his post following allegations he attempted to access a phone call involving a detainee under Criminal Investigation Department custody (CID)

Chief Inspector Ashoka Ariyawansa, who has served on Wickremesinghe’s security detail for over two decades — including 15 years as his principal security officer — has been reassigned to the Kankesanthurai Police Station, Police Headquarters confirmed.

The transfer, which took effect immediately, has been approved by the National Police Commission.

It is reported that Ariyawansa sought to obtain a phone conversation between Wickremesinghe and former MP Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as Pillayan, who is currently in CID custody. The officer had reportedly contacted a CID official in connection with the request.