Former Senior DIG Anura Senanayake, a controversial police officer, passed away today after a prolonged illness.

Family sources said Senanayake was suffering from cancer.

Senanayake was a key suspect in the murder of Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen and was remanded for a long period for concealing evidence in the case.

He was one of the most influential police officers under the Rajapaksa administration before 2015.

Senanayake was also known as a popular singer during the 80s and early 90s.