A key testimony has been recorded from Police Sergeant (697) Susanta Kaduwela, who served as the personal security officer of former Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne, during the magisterial inquiry into his sudden death.

The sergeant told the court that on the morning of the incident, the former IGP requested his official firearm, a 9mm pistol, along with the relevant ammunition.

According to the witness, the former IGP said he wanted to check whether the firearm was “new or old.” The sergeant further stated that the former IGP had never previously requested his official firearm in such a manner, making it an unusual request.

The witness said that after receiving the firearm and ammunition, the former IGP asked him to bring a bottle of water. He added that he heard a gunshot while he was inside the house to get the water bottle.

Considering the evidence presented, Kaduwela Magistrate Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa ordered police to send the 9mm pistol, empty cartridges and other case exhibits related to the incident to the Government Analyst for scientific examination.

The investigation has been transferred from the Malabe Police to the Western Province South Special Investigation Unit (SIU) on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police to ensure an impartial inquiry.

The 63-year-old former IGP, who sustained critical gunshot injuries at the garden of his residence on Parakrama Road, Thalahena, Malabe, was pronounced dead upon admission to the Colombo East Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa.