Shani Abeysekara transferred to IDH for Covid-19 treatment

Former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara has been transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Angoda on medical advice, the Department of Prisons said.

Reports confirmed on Wednesday (25) that Abeysekara was tested positive for Covid-19 and was under medical care at the Gallella Treatment Centre.

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

The transfer came after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Human rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) raised concerns regarding Abeysekara’s health condition and threats to his life.

Addressing the parliamentary session earlier today (27), Premadasa called on the authorities to provide Abeysekara with better healthcare facilities and to transfer him to the IDH.

The HRCSL, meanwhile, directed a letter to the Commissioner-General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya yesterday (26), raising concerns regarding the former CID chief’s health condition.

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.