Justice has finally been served after six years in the case involving the current Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara, who was widely regarded as a victim of political retaliation under the previous administration.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal today (13) ordered the National Police Commission (NPC) to promote SSP Shani Abeysekara to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), effective from 25 August 2020.
The Tribunal further directed that all salary arrears, allowances, and related increments due from that date be paid accordingly.
Allegations of Political Retaliation
The controversy surrounding Shani Abeysekara began shortly after former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed office in 2019.
Abeysekara, who had led several high-profile criminal investigations, was removed from his position and reassigned as Assistant to the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Galle District — a move widely criticized as a politically motivated demotion.
The situation escalated further when he was arrested and remanded on 25 August 2020. Critics and civil society groups at the time alleged that the actions taken against him were intended to silence investigations linked to politically sensitive cases.
Following an extensive inquiry into these allegations, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has now ruled in his favor, effectively recognizing the injustice caused through the alleged political victimization.
Tribunal Directs Restoration of Career and Benefits
According to the ruling, the National Police Commission is required not only to promote Shani Abeysekara to the post of DIG with retrospective effect, but also to restore all benefits and entitlements lost during the period in question.
The decision is being viewed by many as a landmark development in addressing allegations of abuse of power and politically driven actions within state institutions.
Controversial Audio Recording and Public Campaign
During the height of the controversy, an audio recording allegedly linked to former MP Ranjan Ramanayake surfaced and was widely circulated in public discourse.
Supporters of Abeysekara claimed that the recording had been selectively edited and distorted to damage his reputation and intensify the campaign against him.
The matter became a major political issue at the time, further deepening divisions over the independence of law enforcement and the judiciary.
Links to High-Profile Investigations
Shani Abeysekara had previously been involved in several sensitive investigations, including probes connected to organized crime, political assassinations, and financial crimes.
Observers note that these incidents collectively raised longstanding concerns regarding political interference in criminal investigations during previous administrations.
A Significant Turning Point
Today’s ruling is being interpreted by many as not only a personal vindication for Shani Abeysekara, but also as a broader statement on accountability, institutional independence, and the protection of public officials from political persecution.
The decision may also reignite national debate over the treatment of investigators and officials involved in politically sensitive cases during recent years.