SP Shani Abeysekera, one of the most experienced officers in the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been promoted to the SSP rank. 

Abeysekera was instrumental in successfully investigating many serious crimes in the recent past - including the murder of businessman Mohammed Shiyam for which former DIG Vass Gunawardena was convicted. 

He is considered to be one of the best detectives in Sri Lanka, at the moment. 

The promotion has been endorsed by the National Police Commission, highly placed Police sources said. 

He was promoted to the rank of SP, last year.