The chief security officer of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been transferred with immediate effect by the Police Headquarters.

Accordingly, Chief Inspector Ashoka Ariyawansa, who served as Wickremesinghe’s main personal security officer, has been reassigned to the Kankesanthurai Police Station.

The transfer has received the approval of the National Police Commission, sources said.

Chief Inspector Ariyawansa has served in Wickremesinghe’s security detail for 23 years, including 15 years as his main personal security officer.

An official from the office of former President Wickremesinghe confirmed the transfer to Newswire. 

According to the Police, the transfer has been issued due to the officer’s attempt to obtain a phone call between Ranil Wickremesinghe and former MP Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan), who is currently detained by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The Police further said the officer in question had contacted a CID official for this purpose.