Shani Abeysekera gives evidence at PCoI on Easter attacks via Skype

Former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekera has given evidence before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the Easter attacks.

He testified today (January 25) via Skype from the Colombo National Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment for a cardiac arrest. Reportedly, his doctors have not recommended him to be discharged to testify at the Commission.

Abeysekera is held under remand custody for allegedly fabricating evidence pertaining to a firearm case.

Previously, the Commission made several attempts to obtain a statement from the former CID head; however, they were futile over various reasons including Abeysekera being diagnosed with COVID-19.

The Commission asked Abeyesekera whether he carried out an investigation on the murder of two police officers in Vavunathivu on November 30, 2018, when he was the Director of the CID.

He responded saying that an immediate investigation was launched by the CID on the day of the murder and that the CID had been handed over a former LTTE cadre arrested by the Batticaloa Police over the incident.

When the State Counsel of the Commission asked if it was determined whether the arrested suspect was linked to the murders, the ex-CID chief said that after the 2019 Eater attacks, it was confirmed that the suspect was not connected to the case.

Abeyesekera further said that CID determined the fact that Vavunathivu murders as an act by an extremist group including Zahran Hashim only after the Easter attacks.