Seasoned investigator Shani returns to SL Police

SSP Shani Abeysekera

• NPC approves SSP Shani Abeysekara’s appointment as Director – Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Prevention Division
• Appointment has been made on a contract basis as Abeysekara retired in 2021

Seasoned investigator SSP Shani Abeysekara has been rehired on a contract basis as the Director of the Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Prevention Division in the Sri Lanka Police. The appoint has been approved by the National Police Commission an inside source said. His return to the force marks a significant development following his retirement in June 2021 and the controversial period he faced afterward.

Abeysekara, known for his stellar investigative work during his tenure with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was transferred out of the CID and later arrested following the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President. In July 2020, he was charged under the Offensive Weapons Act and Explosives Devices Act by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). The charges were based on allegations of fabricating evidence in a murder case involving former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Gunawardena, and four other police officers. However, the Gampaha Magistrate Court discharged Abeysekara and the other officers from the case in 2023. 

Shani Abeysekara is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most respected investigators, having handled some of the country’s most high-profile and controversial cases. 

His investigative work spans cases such as the Royal Park murder, Angulana double murder, Udathalawinna massacre, and the attempted assassination of General Sarath Fonseka. He also played a key role in investigating several sensitive incidents, including the Town Hall bombing and the disappearance of 11 youths between 2007-2009.

He also led investigations into the harassment of journalists, including the kidnapping of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, the murder of Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickramatunga, and the assault on journalist Keith Noyahr. 

Internationally, Abeysekara was praised for his swift action following the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019, with his team arresting key suspects within days of the attacks, earning him commendation from Interpol.