The remains of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne have been referred to the Government Analyst for further examination as police continue investigating his death, NewsFirst reported.
Wickramaratne, 63, died from a gunshot wound at his residence in Thalahena on Friday morning. His body will lie in state at a private funeral parlour in Borella from Saturday, with final rites scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Borella Cemetery, police said.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was among those who visited the funeral parlour in Colombo to pay their last respects to the former police chief as his remains lay in state, Ada Derana reported. Mourners have continued to gather ahead of Monday’s final rites.
As part of the inquiry, the former IGP’s mobile phone has been taken into police custody. Officers said a court order will be obtained before the device undergoes forensic examination. The pistol believed to have been used has also been taken into custody and will be sent to the Government Analyst for analysis.
Investigators have recorded statements from the former IGP’s spouse and the three police officers assigned to his security. Police said the inquiry is being conducted by the Western Province South Special Investigation Unit together with the Malabe Police, on the instructions of IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya.
Wickramaratne served as Sri Lanka’s police chief and was a prominent figure in the force. Authorities have not disclosed further details pending the outcome of the forensic examinations and the ongoing investigation.
