Seasoned investigator and former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara has been appointed as the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Sri Lanka Police confirmed, following the approval of the National Police Commission (NPC).
Abeysekara, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished investigators, returns to lead the CID after a tumultuous period in his career. He was initially retired from the police service in June 2021 but was brought back on a contract basis earlier this year by the new National People’s Power (NPP) government to serve as Director of the Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Prevention Division.
Abeysekara’s reinstatement to the CID marks a significant development in the policing sector, especially given his controversial removal and subsequent arrest during the administration of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. In July 2020, he was charged under the Offensive Weapons Act and Explosives Devices Act, accused of fabricating evidence in the high-profile Vaas Gunawardena murder case. The case, pursued by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), also involved Gunawardena’s son and four other police officers. However, in 2023, the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court discharged Abeysekara and the others from all charges.
Throughout his career, Abeysekara handled numerous high-profile and sensitive investigations. His portfolio includes landmark cases such as the Royal Park murder, Angulana double murder, Udathalawinna massacre, and the attempted assassination of General Sarath Fonseka. He also spearheaded probes into the Town Hall bombing and the disappearances of 11 youths between 2007 and 2009.
Abeysekara is also known for investigating attacks and intimidation against journalists, including the kidnapping of Prageeth Eknaligoda, the murder of Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, and the assault on journalist Keith Noyahr.
Internationally, his efforts earned praise, particularly after the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, when his team arrested key suspects within days, drawing commendation from Interpol.
