Intelligence Division OIC found dead; Police suspect suicide

IP Samarakoon-February 16, 2014

By Pradeep Samarakoon and Norman Palihawadane

Athurugiriya police found the body of OIC of Mount Lavinia Branch of the Western Province police Intelligence Division, Inspector W. M. Samarakoon in a paddy field at Godagama yesterday.

Police suspect that the inspector committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with his official firearm. The investigators have found IP Samarakoon’s motorcycle and official firearm beside his body. They also found a letter inside his pocket.

The body was recovered around 8.00 am yesterday following information received via the 119 hotline, police said.

IP Samarakoon was a father of two. He had earlier served in the STF. Later he was appointed the OIC of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Branch of the Western Province police intelligence unit. He lived with his family in Nugegoda.Police investigations have revealed that IP Samarakoon obtained his service revolver on Saturday (15) evening from the Dehiwala police and made a log entry to that effect. He had returned to the station around 10.00 pm and left a note that he had completed his work but no mention had been made of the gun, the police said.

The victim’s 18-year-old son has given a statement to investigators that IP Samarakoon came back on Saturday night around 11 pm and left home in a huff.

The Homagama Acting Magistrate arrived at the crime scene and conducted the preliminary magisterial inquiry yesterday.

Athuruguriya police are conducting further investigations.

IP Samarakoon’s son is preparing for the GCE (A/L) examination and his daughter is studying for the GCE (O/L) examination.