London Metropolitan Police hails Sri Lanka CID

Sarath Malalasekera

The Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll of Metropolitan Police Service, London paid tribute to the Sri Lanka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for its assistance given to the Metropolitan Police in arresting two accused who fled London after committing the murder of Makeswaran Kannasham in Highans Road, East 7, London in 2004.

Metropolitan Chief Inspector Driscoll said the three Police officers of the CID, Chief Inspector R.K. Waidyasekera, Inspector Ishan Raban and Inspector Adrian Nishantha, who escorted the two accused to London later gave evidence before the Old Bailey Court.

Evidence given by the three Sri Lankan CID officers were extremely professional and was accepted by the Judge of the London Court, the Detective Chief Inspector Driscoll said.

After recording the evidence of the CID officers, the two accused, Sivajo Anantharajah and Sivapragasan Rajeskanna, were sentenced to serve life imprisonment.

Anantharajah received minimum term of 24 years and Rajeskanna 14 years.

Earlier UK authorities requested the extradition of the two accused from Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Attorney General filed extradition cases before the Colombo High Court and obtained “Provisional Arrest Warrants” on both accused. Later, the two accused were arrested by the CID. Both accused were extradited and appeared at the Old Bailey in London. The jury delivered unanimous guilty verdicts on the two accused on May 21, 2009.

The Metropolitan Chief Inspector Driscoll emphasised that there is no doubt the arrest of these accused would have been a drain on the resources of Interpol Colombo, but as previously stated the dedication and professionalism of these CID officers have allowed the two accused for murder to be tried in London, which believe the mutual assistance given was of immense benefit to both countries.

“I personally, on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service, would like to thank you and the officers for the assistance you have given to our investigation.

I have travelled to Sri Lanka on many occasions during this investigation and have always enjoyed one hundred percent cooperation and assistance from your staff despite the very heavy work load that the recent events in Sri Lanka have caused.

I believe you deserve all credit for the actions of these CID officers who have in my opinion acted in an exemplary manner” the Metropolitan Chief Inspector said.

“I sincerely hope Sri Lanka finds peace in the near future and wish all of you sincere thanks for the help you have given me,” the Metropolitan Chief Inspector added.