New details have emerged regarding the death of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana Wickramaratne, according to a report published by the Sunday Island newspaper.

The report states that investigators believe the fatal chest gunshot may have resulted from the accidental discharge of a firearm while Wickramaratne was examining a newly issued weapon belonging to his personal security officer.

According to the report, the security officer had briefly gone inside the house when the firearm discharged. Family members reportedly heard the gunshot and found the former IGP lying on the veranda.

The report also states that there were no indications that Wickramaratne had been suffering from depression, and that neither family members nor close friends believed he had any reason to take his own life.

Police said investigations into the incident are continuing, and that no final conclusion will be reached until the post-mortem examination report is available.