FCID experienced political pressure; Ex-Senior DIG Ravi Waidyalankara

In his testimony to the Presidential Commission probing incidents of Political Victimization on Wednesday (28), the Former DIG produced a confidential document containing a list of names of powerful ministers from the former government who wanted the Rajapaksa's arrested.

Retired Senior DIG and Former Chief of the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) Ravi Waidyalankara was named a respondent in multiple complaints filed with the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing incidents of political victimization.

Ravi Waidyalankara said the FCID was established as per the provisions of the Police Ordinance and investigations were carried out within the legal framework set out in the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The retired Senior DIG said powerful ministers at the time exerted pressure with regard to the investigations carried out by the FCID, and it resulted in severe mental stress.

In response to a question on the controversial MiG Fighter Aircraft deal, Ravi Waidyalankara said the fraud was committed, however, investigations revealed Gotabaya Rajapaksa was not involved and he objected to arresting the Ex-Defence Secretary without credible evidence.

Retired Senior DIG and Former Chief of the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) Ravi Waidyalankara said no other public servant should go through the mental stress he had to experience when heading the FCID.