The death of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne has triggered a high‑level investigation, with two Police teams appointed to determine whether he died by suicide or if foul play was involved.
Initial police findings indicate that Wickramaratne may have taken his own life using a firearm at his residence in Thalahena, Malabe. He was rushed to Mulleriyawa Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler stated that the incident is currently treated as a suspected suicide, citing a self‑inflicted gunshot wound. However, he emphasized that a full and independent inquiry is underway, including the postmortem examination, magisterial investigations, and recording of witness statements.
Wickramaratne, aged 63, served as Sri Lanka’s 35th Inspector General of Police, retiring in November 2023 after a distinguished career spanning more than three decades.
Did he commit suicide or was he murdered?
At present, police officially classify the death as a suspected suicide, but no final conclusion has been made. The outcome will depend on forensic results, ballistic analysis, and investigative findings.