Dr Mahinda Balasuriya, the 32nd Inspector General of Police of the Sri Lanka Police has passed away at a private hospital in Colombo this evening (29).
Dr. Balasuriya, who was 68 at the time of his demise, also served as ambassador to Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. He served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order too.
Dr Mahinda Balasuriya, who was appointed as the Inspector General of Police on November 3, 2009 as the only Ph.D scholar hold the position as IGP. At the time he took office as IG he was serving as Chief of the Police Special Task Force.
He resigned from the post following an incident of a garment factory worker was shot dead by police officers on June 17, 2011 accepting the responsibility.
Mahinda Balasuriya has served as the Chief of Defense Staff to President DB Wijetunga, is a well-known officer in the Sri Lanka Police. His remains are currently being kept at the Jayaratne Flower Hall and will be taken to his home in Gonahena, Kelaniya at night.