Ex-IGP Cyril Herath no more

Cyril Herath who served as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from 1985 to 1988 passed away yesterday after a brief illness.

Herath Joined the Police force in 1957 as a probationary ASP and was promoted as SP in 1969 and as DIG in 1975. He had a very distinguished career in the Police service and was admired for his honesty, integrity and capabilities.  He was one of the top intelligence services officers that this country has produced and led the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) during his service in the Police.  As IGP he ensured discipline in the service and handled admirably the challenges faced during that time with northern terrorism raising its head and southern subversive activities.

Colombo mayoral candidate, Milinda Moragoda presents his ‘100 Day Plan’ for Colombo to Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo - Pix by Samantha Perera

Subsequent to his Police career he was appointed as the Chairman of the National Savings Bank on 8 September, 1994 and had two long stints at the Bank leading the transformation the bank went through during that period. Further he served as the Secretary, Ministry of Defence in 2003/04. He was also conferred with Deshamanya for his distinguished service to the country.

He is a graduate of the University of Peradeniya having studied Economics, History and Philosophy and is an old boy of St. John’s College Nugegoda and Royal College Colombo.  He earned University colours excelling in athletics.

With the demise of Deshamanya Cyril Herath the country has lost an officer and a gentleman who has done yeoman service to the country.

The funeral will be at the General Cemetery, Borella on Saturday 10 September, 2011 at 6 p.m. after the ceremonial proceedings commencing at 5 p.m. The cortege leaves his residence at No. 64, Old Kesbewa Road, Nugegoda at 4 p.m.