Sajith, HRCSL raise concerns over Shani Abeysekara’s health condition

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today (27) raised concerns regarding the health condition of former Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara, who is under medical care for Covid-19.

Addressing the parliamentary session earlier today, the Opposition Leader requested the authorities to transfer Shani Abeysekara to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) to allow him better healthcare facilities.

He noted that the former CID chief, who suffers from several chronic diseases, also has threats to his life.

It was confirmed on Wednesday (25) that Abeysekara was tested positive for Covid-19.

He was in remand custody for allegedly fabricating evidence pertaining to a firearm case.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) meanwhile directed a letter to the Commissioner-General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya, raising concerns regarding health and threats to the former CID chief.

“We are surprised to be informed that Mr Abeysekera, with multiple health issues, has been transferred to the Treatment Centre for prisoners at Gallella. We have been made to understand, the better treatment is available at the Welikanda Treatment Hospital,” Commissioner in charge of Investigations and Inquiries Ramani Muttettuwegama said in her letter.

The HRCSL pointed out that the health and security of all prisoners including remanded inmates, remain the responsibility of the Prisons Commissioner General, urging him to take immediate steps to secure Shani Abeysekara and ensure the best possible treatment.

“It may be best to transfer Mr Abeyskera to the Welikanda Treatment Hospital. Further, his family has informed us that they have no information regarding Mr Abeysekera’s health situation or his whereabouts,” the letter continued.

The HRCSL suggested the Prisons Commissioner General to provide them with an updated list of all prisoners affected by the Covid-19 virus and their current location of treatment, as many complaints were received from the family members of the inmates in this regard.

“We would welcome the appointment of a contact person in each treatment in case further information is required by family members.”