Suspected of threatening Tiran and top cop over the phone
Retired Senior DIG Priyantha Jayakody has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly making a false claim that he received death threats from notorious underworld leader Kehelbaddara Padme, who is believed to be living overseas.
Police Headquarters Spokesman Attorney-at-Law ASP F.U. Wootler confirmed the arrest of Jayakody. He said that the ex-SDIG would be produced before a Magistrate.
Police yesterday produced Jayakody before Mahara Magistrate and was remanded till 06 August pending investigations.
The suspect, a former top police investigator, also served as the Police Spokesman during the Yahapalana administration.
Other sources said that Jayakody and another person were responsible for threatening former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Senior DIG Administration Lalith Pathinayake over the phone. Sources said that another threatening call had been given to the son of IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
Sources said that investigators had also apprehended the person who made the calls at the behest of the former SDIG.
Jayakody campaigned for SJB leader Sajith Premadasa in the last presidential election and also backed the SJB in the parliamentary polls conducted in November, 2024.
Investigations have revealed that a Dubai telephone number was used by Jayakody to make calls.
Some claimed that Jayakody had acted alone and the whole sordid operation was meant to obtain police protection. (SF)