Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana Deepal (C.D.) Wickremaratne has passed away in what is suspected to be an act of suicide, senior police officials confirmed.
According to initial police reports, the former police chief was found inside his residence in Athurugiriya with a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities strongly suspect the wound was self-inflicted, potentially using a personal firearm.
Following the discovery, his body was moved to the hospital for formal procedures. A comprehensive investigation has been launched by the Athurugiriya Police and specialized forensic teams to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
C.D. Wickremaratne joined the Sri Lanka Police Service as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1986. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he held numerous key operational commands. Following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, he was appointed as the Acting IGP and was later confirmed as the 35th Inspector General of Police, a post he held until his retirement in late 2023.
Police Spokesperson’s offices indicated that while the preliminary assessment points toward suicide, conclusive details will only be established once the ongoing magisterial inquest and post-mortem examinations are finalized.
Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.
