Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, a former Navy Commander accused of involvement in the abduction and murder of 11 youths, has assumed the role of Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Despite allegations and ongoing investigations into his connection with these crimes, Ranasinghe continues to hold influential positions. His tenure as Navy Commander (2017-2018) and his role in deploying key suspects in intelligence operations have drawn criticism. Investigators have also uncovered plots by senior naval officers to harm key witnesses and investigators in cases of abduction, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe has not been directly accused by a court in connection with the abduction and murder of 11 youths. However, his name has surfaced in multiple investigations concerning the case. Investigators and witnesses have alleged his involvement, particularly in deploying key suspects like Sumith Ranasinghe, who is believed to have played a central role in the abductions. Despite these serious allegations, there has not been a formal indictment against Ranasinghe in court, allowing him to maintain his influential roles within the government.
Ranasinghe’s name was mentioned in the case due to his alleged actions during his tenure as Navy Commander, from October 2017 to December 2018. Witnesses have stated that he sent confidential instructions to naval directors loyal to him, reportedly deploying Sumith Ranasinghe in intelligence operations despite the latter being a suspect in the abduction case. This alleged protection of key suspects has implicated him in shielding those involved in mass crimes, such as the abduction and disappearance of the 11 youths.
Ranasinghe has had a notable military career, serving as the Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy and later holding key government positions. After his stint as Navy Commander, he served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping & Southern Development in 2019. Recently, he assumed the role of Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, despite the controversy surrounding his involvement in human rights abuse investigations. His career in both military and civilian roles highlights his continued influence in Sri Lanka’s public sector.
