Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to launch an investigation into a leaked audio recording, purported to be a private telephone conversation between Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Administration, Lalith Pathinayake, and journalist Bimal Ruhunage.
The audio clip allegedly features the SDIG making remarks about both the IGP and the SDIG in charge of the Southern Province, Kitsiri Jayalath.
In the recording, a voice stated to be the SDIG’s is heard saying, “He is not an IGP, he is corrupt.” The authenticity of the audio clip has not yet been officially confirmed.
The IGP’s directive to the CID calls for an investigation into how these calls are allegedly being used as a basis to create and disseminate “false news” against the government via social media.
The investigation was reportedly initiated after an individual provided the IGP with the audio recording, which is suspected to have been recorded by journalist Bimal Ruhunage.
According to CID sources, the department has already recorded a statement from Mr. Ruhunage.
In addition to the CID probe, the IGP has also formally notified the National Police Commission (NPC) regarding the conduct of the SDIG Pathinayake.
The incident is also being reported as a potential conflict between two of the most powerful individuals in the police service. This is heightened by the fact that Lalith Pathinayake is one of the most senior officers currently serving in the Sri Lanka Police and had previously been a proposed candidate for the position of Inspector General.
