Citing death threats by underworld gangs OIC Jayathilaka leaves country

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Police have launched an investigation into of the Officer In-Charge of Organized Crime at the Colombo Crime Division, Duminda Jayathilaka, who has left the country due to death threats from members of underworld gangs.   

Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka reportedly left for France on February 14 from Bandaranaike International Airport, accompanied by personal security guards as a precaution against the threats looming over him and his family. Among those gangsters who allegedly threatened him are Kanjipani Imran and Heenatiyana Mahesh.   

He made several statements to the media from abroad about the threats he allegedly received from criminals.   

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that there is reasonable doubt and suspicion about all the incidents and that police suspect that the Inspector may have tried to seek benefits or advantages.   

It was reported that the threats against the officer escalated following the arrest of suspects involved in poisoning two suspects at the Aduruppu Veediya police station. Following multiple arrests made during this probe, he reportedly received numerous death threats. 

 
The spokesman said the officer had not disclosed to senior officers that he had death threats from underworld criminals lately. However, he said once the officer informed them about such threats that the Colombo Crime Division provided Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka with an official firearm for his protection.   

Despite this measure, he opted to leave for France ensuring the safety of his wife and seven-year-old daughter in a secure location within the country.   
It was reported that Inspector Jayathilaka was instrumental in arresting several homicide suspects last year.   

Inspector Jayathilaka was also involved in investigating an attempted escape by ‘Harak Kata’ from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). During the investigations, numerous suspects associated with the incident were arrested.   

Spokesman DIG Thalduwa said the officer obtained leave from February 14 to March 6 and if he does not return for duty before March 6, police will consider him as having vacated the service.