CID directed to probe IP Nishantha Silva’s departure

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

The police headquarters yesterday informed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director to launch an investigation into the departure of CID’s Organised Crimes Investigation Unit OIC Inspector Nishantha Silva with his family to Switzerland last Sunday without approval. 

Police Spokesman SSP Ruwan Gunasekera said it was a serious matter that an officer in charge of several leading investigations to have left the country without approval. He said IP Silva’s departure took place at a time when there were no investigations or disciplinary action pending against him. 

“If a police officer is leaving overseas to attend an official or personnel matter, it is compulsory to obtain approval from the Ministry Secretary which IP Silva hasn’t done.  His departure from the country is illegal. Disciplinary action will be taken against him,” he said.  

IP Silva was handling investigations into several major incidents including the murder of Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge and the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr. He is known for heading investigations into at least 60 crimes committed by the LTTE, the rape and murder of student Sivaloganathan Vidhya, the abduction of 11 youths in Colombo and Chief of Defence Staff Ravindra Wijegunaratne’s alleged involvement in harbouring a suspect of the abduction incident.   

IP Silva left the country a few days after the transfer of former CID Director Shani Abeysekara.