Police officer fleeing country: Police responds

February 29, 2024 at 11:19 AM

Sri Lanka Police has launched investigations into the incident of the Officer-In-Charge of the Organized Crime Division at the Colombo Crimes Division, Police Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka fleeing the country.

It was reported that Police Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka had left for France on February 14 due to death threats from members of underworld gangs, targeting him and his family.

He was at the forefront of arresting several criminals involved in murders in Sri Lanka last year. At the same time, he was also part of the investigation related to the escape attempt of notorious drug dealer ‘Harak Kata’ from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). 

It is also reported that the poisoning of two suspects arrested in connection with the Aaduruppu Veediya shooting had also seen an increase in the threats against Police Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka.

Upon leaving the country, Police Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka is reported to have sent several video and audio messages to the media claiming threats from members of underworld gangs.

Commenting on the matter, Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that there was reasonable doubt over the claims, while it is also suspected that the issue may have been raised for personal gains.

DIG Thalduwa further said the Police Officer had not raised concerns over the threats against him while on duty but had revealed the matter after fleeing Sri Lanka.

He said that several audio tapes related to the threats had also been shared by Police Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka after leaving Sri Lanka for France.

Stating that the Police Officer has left the country after applying for leave from February 14 to March 06, 2024, DIG Thalduwa said if he does not return to duty before March 06, he will be considered to have vacated his post. (NewsWire)