The Western Southern Crimes Division has commenced a special investigation into the death of former Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne, who died of gunshot injuries at his residence, it was reported.

According to state newspaper Dinamina, the Police said the inquiry was ordered by Police Legal Officer Priyantha Weerasooriya, directing Deputy Inspector General Samantha Wijesekara, in charge of the Western Province Southern Range, to oversee the probe.

Although it is confirmed that the death was caused by a gunshot, investigators have yet to determine whether it was self‑inflicted or the result of an accidental discharge. A senior officer noted that clarity will come from the forthcoming forensic and post‑mortem reports.

According to the Police, Wickramaratne sustained a chest wound, with the bullet exiting through his back. The weapon involved belonged to the sergeant assigned to his security detail. The sergeant told investigators that the former IGP had requested to check the firearm before leaving for cycling exercise. Moments later, after the sergeant stepped inside to fetch water bottles, a gunshot was heard.

At the time, Wickramaratne’s wife and young son were inside the house. They rushed out to find him collapsed, with the firearm lying nearby.

The Police have announced that the funeral of the late former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne will be held today (20) with full honours and ceremonial respect. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police today issued an official statement confirming the death of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne, who sustained gunshot injuries at his residence in Parakrama Road, Thalahena, within the Malabe Police Division, early this morning.

Police said Wickramaratne was admitted to the Eastern Colombo Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Malabe Police Station has commenced investigations into the incident.

The body has been placed at the hospital for a post‑mortem examination, while further inquiries are being conducted by the Western Province South Division Criminal Branch together with the Malabe Police.

Wickramaratne served as the 35th Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka from November 27, 2020 to November 23, 2023. He was 63 years old at the time of his death. (Newswire)

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Two Police teams have been appointed to investigate the death of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne, who was found dead early this morning, the Police said. 

Police Media Spokesman, ASP Wootler told Newswire that initial findings suggest the former IGP may have taken his own life using a firearm at his residence in Thalahena, Malabe. 

The former IGP was rushed to Mulleriyawa Hospital following the incident, but doctors pronounced him dead.

ASP Wootler said that former IGP C.D. Wickremaratne is assumed to have died in a suspected suicide. 

He further said that preparations are underway to conduct the postmortem and magisterial inquiries into the death, while statements are also to be recorded with regard to the incident. 

The Police Spokesman added that the appointed Police teams are to conduct a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death. (Newswire)

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