C.D. Wickramaratne's final rites amidst full police honours tomorrow (20th)

Arrangements have been made to conduct the final rites of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne, who served as the 35th IGP of Sri Lanka, tomorrow (20) with full police honours.

Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Woutler stated that official police honours, which are accorded when a retired Inspector General of Police passes away, have also been decided to be offered for former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne.

The body of the former IGP is currently placed at the Jayaratne Respect Funeral Parlour in Borella, Colombo. The public has been given the opportunity to pay their last respects to him starting from today (19).

Mr. C.D. Wickramaratne was found shot dead inside his home on the morning of day before yesterday (17). Police suspect this death to be a suicide, and preliminary investigations suggest he shot himself with a firearm belonging to his security officer.

The Judicial Medical Officer of the Eastern Colombo Hospital conducted the post-mortem examination of the body and an open verdict was given. Accordingly, steps have been taken to send parts of the former IGP's body to the Government Analyst for further examination.

Meanwhile, the Western Province South Divisional Criminal Division and Malabe Police are jointly conducting extensive investigations into this incident. The firearm allegedly used in the shooting has also been sent to the Government Analyst, and statements have currently been recorded by the Western Province South Divisional Criminal Division from his wife and three security officers regarding the incident.