Leading to controversies, suspended Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sisila Kumara Herath, who was found in possession of cannabis, has been reinstated by the police. The officer was earlier arrested for possession of cannabis at his residence while serving as the SSP of Monaragala. According to police sources, he has assumed duties at Police Headquarters.
SSP Herath was arrested by a Police Special Task Force (STF) team on January 8 last year. He was later handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation of the incident after being presented to the Monaragala court. Several sources revealed that during the operation conducted by the STF, controversial equipment believed to be used for treasure hunting was found at the residence of the SSP.
Internal police sources reveal that there were several irregularities during the internal investigation carried out into the possession of cannabis. SSP Herath was the Assistant Superintendent of Police of Katuwapitiya during the Easter Sunday Attack. The police special investigation unit into the Easter Sunday Attack named then-ASP Herath as one of the police officers who failed to carry out their duties, and a charge sheet was issued against him. The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks mentioned then-ASP Herath.
He is an experienced officer who attended a course in Turkey on religious extremism. He received C4A, B, and D information along with C365 and 375. However, he did not send the information to the station officers. He received a call from SSP Chandana Athukorala to strengthen security, and according to the information he received, the police stations under him were not properly controlled. Therefore, the Commission of Inquiry recommended that a disciplinary inquiry be held against him. Meanwhile, more than a hundred lives were lost in the bombing at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya Negambo.
Monaragala SSP Sisila Kumara arrested with a stock of Cannabis
