The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation following a request made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to speak with former LTTE leader and ex-Deputy Minister Shivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan. Pillayan is currently under arrest and held under a detention order issued in accordance with the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
According to a senior police official, the request was communicated via a phone call made by Wickremesinghe’s chief security officer to an officer of the CID. The CID officer in question declined the request, explaining that suspects held under detention orders cannot be contacted by anyone other than their legal representatives or close relatives. The officer subsequently reported the incident to his superiors.
“Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is fully aware that individuals detained under the PTA cannot be contacted via phone or in person by unauthorized parties. The question now arises: why did he believe he held the special privilege to speak with Pillayan over the phone? This has raised serious concerns among us,” the senior officer stated.
He further added that the CID has detained and interrogated many individuals, including those with political connections. “None of those individuals have received such attention from the former President. His particular interest in Pillayan warrants further scrutiny,” the officer noted.
It has been revealed that the request was relayed to CID officers by a member of Wickremesinghe’s private police security detail. Authorities plan to question the officer involved and later seek clarification from former President Wickremesinghe himself.
Reported by Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe – Dinamina
