The agreement aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance coordinated efforts in the investigation and prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing activities. This MoU establishes a framework for information sharing, joint operations, and capacity building, thereby reinforcing the commitment of both institutions to combat financial crimes and safeguard national security.
The foundation stone for the construction of a new building for the Mirigama Police Station was laid on the morning of 25 February 2026. The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ananda Wijepala. The existing police station currently operates from an aging and partially deteriorated structure. In response, plans have been finalized to construct a modern facility equipped with adequate space and essential amenities to accommodate all divisions of a fully functional police station. The new building will be erected on the same premises where the current station stands and is expected to be completed promptly at an estimated cost of approximately 80 million rupees. The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya; Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Western Province, Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte; Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Western Province (North) Division, Mr. Kalinga Jayasinghe; Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Western Province (North) Division, Mr. Priyankara de Silva; Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Gampaha Division, Mr. Sanath Amarasinghe; as well as local public representatives, government officials, and members of the All-Faith Clergy.
Mr. Frederick Wootler, Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police, has been honoured with a People’s Award for the second consecutive time in recognition of his exemplary service in the Police Media Division. The Pride of the Nation Award 2026 ceremony, which acknowledges individuals currently rendering distinguished service to the country as well as those who made exceptional social contributions during the year 2025, was held on the evening of 22.02.2026 at the Foundation Institute. Previously, Mr. Wootler, who is also a LLB Graduate, received a National Honour Award in appreciation of his outstanding media engagement. His efforts include coordinating with media institutions in Sinhala, Tamil, and English to disseminate accurate information, and directly communicating important updates, guidance, and public advisories through the official social media platforms of the Sri Lanka Police, including its official Facebook page and website. The award was presented by Rector of the Sripalee Campus of the University of Colombo Attorney at Law Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa, . Attendees extended their congratulations to Mr. Wootler, commending his leadership of the Police Media Division and wishing him continued success in his future endeavours. Demonstrating initiative, resilience, and strong language proficiency, Mr. Wootler has served in several capacities, including as Officer-in-Charge at multiple police stations across the country. He is also a Human Rights scholar from the University of Colombo and has served for five years as a Police Advisor with the United Nations in countries such as East Timor and South Sudan, contributing to international peacekeeping and institutional development efforts. Moving beyond traditional media frameworks, ASP Wootler introduced the concept of producing a series of digital audio-visual programmes, including podcasts accessible online at any time and distributed through social media platforms. This forward-thinking initiative has modernised the communication strategy of the Police Media Division and enhanced public engagement. This latest recognition marks the second major award received by ASP Frederick Wutler for his dedicated service to both the public and the Police Media Division. Under his stewardship, the Division is expected to continue playing a proactive and influential role in the media landscape, further strengthening the relationship between the police and the community.
The Western Province Southern Crime Division is conducting comprehensive investigations to apprehend all suspects involved in the shooting and killing of a lawyer and his wife while they were travelling in a car in the Akuregoda area, within the jurisdiction of the Thalangama Police Division, on 13.02.2026, by two unidentified gunmen who arrived in a car. Accordingly, a team of officers from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, operating in coordination with the above division, arrested one of the suspected shooters in the Delduwa area, within the jurisdiction of the Ambalangoda Police Division, on the evening of 21.02.2026. A mobile phone believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was also recovered. The arrested suspect is a 46-year-old resident of the Baddegama area. In connection with this incident, three suspects were arrested on 16.02.2026 in the Kottawa Police Division and the Athurugiriya Police Division, and one suspect was arrested on 17.02.2026 in the Kahathuduwa Police Division, on charges of aiding and abetting and criminal conspiracy. In addition, the Police Special Task Force arrested two male and three female suspects on 21.02.2026 on suspicion of facilitating and assisting the commission of this crime in various ways. All arrested suspects, together with witnesses, are currently being detained by the Western Province Southern Crime Division for further investigations. The suspected shooter has been identified as a person who legally left the Sri Lanka Army under the general amnesty granted in 2009 and is scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today, 22.02.2026. It is further stated that the suspect depicted in the AI-generated photo image released to the public on 20.02.2026 is not the suspect currently in custody. Further investigations are continuing to trace and arrest the individual shown in that image, who is believed to be the second shooter involved in this crime. Members of the public who have any information are kindly requested to contact: Deputy Inspector General of Police – Western Province North : 071 8598008Divisional Officer – Nugegoda : 071 8591641Director – Western Province Southern Crime Division : 071 8592279
Officers of the Kalpitiya Police have successfully conducted a raid in the Anawasala area of Kalpitiya on 19.02.2026, seizing 10 kilograms and 455 grams of Kerala cannabis. Two suspects have been arrested during the raid, one suspect was in possession of 05 kilograms and 375 grams of Kerala cannabis, while the other suspect was in possession of 05 kilograms and 80 grams of Kerala cannabis. The two suspects, aged 41 and 50, are residents of Hettipola and Kalpitiya areas. The Kalpitiya Police is conducting further investigations.
Sri Lanka Police Warns on Driving Regulations for Foreign Nationals and Vehicle Providers In 2025, five foreign nationals lost their lives in road accidents while driving in Sri Lanka. In addition, there were seven serious accidents, 78 minor injuries, and six incidents of vehicle damage involving foreign drivers. Investigations have indicated that many of these accidents occurred due to foreign tourists driving without a valid driving license in Sri Lanka, as well as by parties providing vehicles to them in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act. As part of its duty to ensure the safety of foreign visitors, the Sri Lanka Police has launched a targeted traffic operation, beginning in the Southern Province, to identify and take action against individuals or businesses providing vehicles to foreign tourists without a valid license. Driving License Requirements for Foreign Nationals When providing a vehicle, motorcycle, or three-wheeler to a foreign national, the driver must possess one of the following valid licenses: International Driving License – Permits the holder to operate vehicles of the corresponding classes. Sri Lanka Driving License – If the foreign national resides in Sri Lanka and has been issued a driving license by the Department of Motor Traffic, they may drive vehicles of the classes specified on that license. Foreign Driving License with Conversion Certificate – A driving license issued in the foreign national’s home country may be used in Sri Lanka only if it is submitted to the Department of Motor Traffic along with a certified translation. Conversion certificates are issued by the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera and at the special counter at Bandaranaike International Airport. It is an offence to provide any motor vehicle, three-wheeler, or motorcycle for hire, lease, or any other purpose to a foreigner who does not possess one of the above valid licenses. Legal action can be taken against both the provider and the driver under the Motor Vehicle Act. Precautions for Vehicle Providers Vehicle owners and drivers should exercise caution, as some foreigners may present forged or invalid licenses. When providing taxis or rental vehicles, providers should verify the authenticity of the license. Drivers are also required to ensure the following documents and conditions are in order before operating a vehicle: * Valid driving license* Insurance certificate* Vehicle registration and income certificate* Vehicle emission certificate and fitness certificate* Mechanical condition of the vehicleDrivers must present their license whenever requested by a police officer. Legal Provisions According to Section 123 (i a) of the Motor Vehicle Act, no person may operate a motor vehicle without a valid driving license. Employing an unlicensed driver or allowing a minor to drive constitutes an offence, and both the driver and vehicle owner are liable for prosecution under the Act. The Sri Lanka Police urges all vehicle providers and drivers to comply strictly with these regulations to ensure the safety of both local and foreign road users.
On the evening of 15.02.2026, a team of officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau Airport Unit, together with officers of Sri Lanka Customs, carried out an inspection of a woman who had arrived by air from Bangkok at the premises of Bandaranaike International Airport. During the search, officers recovered 16.400 kg of Kush in her possession. The suspect, along with two other individuals who allegedly aided and abetted the drug trafficking operation, was taken into custody. The main suspect is a 35-year-old resident of Colombo 14. The two other suspects, aged 27 and 33, are residents of Colombo 14 and Kolonnawa, respectively. Further investigations are being conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau.
Officers of the Western Province North Crime Division arrested a suspect in possession of 271 kg and 835g of Kerala cannabis during a surprise raid carried out on the night of 14 February 2026 within the Ragama Police Division area. The suspect is a 34-year-old resident of Colombo 14. Further investigations into the incident are being conducted by the Western Province North Crime Division.
The cafeteria, refurbished with a modern appearance under the guidance of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, was ceremonially declared open on the morning of 23.02.2026 under the patronage of Priyantha Weerasuriya, Inspector General of Police and Attorney-at-Law. The facility will be managed in an organized and systematic manner under the complete supervision and direction of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit. It is intended to provide nutritious meals and refreshments at affordable prices to officers permanently attached to the Police Headquarters, as well as to members of the public who visit the Headquarters to obtain various services. Promoting the economic well-being of police families remains a key objective of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit. In line with this goal, employment opportunities within the cafeteria have also been extended to family members of police officers. Among those who attended the opening ceremony were the Chairperson of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Nilmini Samaratunga; Senior DIG in charge of Administration, Sanjeewa Dharratne; Senior DIG in charge of the Assistant Services Directorate, Rajitha Sri Daminda; the Chairperson of the Community Committee of the Seva Vanitha Unit, Sunethra Weerakkody; Police Headquarters DIG, Nalaka de Silva; Deputy Secretary of the Seva Vanitha Unit, Darshika Kumari; and Chief Inspector of Police Padmini Jayaweera, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, along with several other officers and members of the Unit.
The Sri Lanka Police Sports Club and the Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club faced off in the final match for the Plate Championship of the “Maliban Challenge Cup” Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament, organized by Sri Lanka Rugby. The match was held on 20.02.2026 at the Ratmalana Air Force Stadium. After a closely contested encounter, the Air Force team emerged victorious with a score of 24–12, thereby securing the Plate Championship title. Consequently, the Police team concluded the tournament as runners-up. The event was attended by Defence Secretary and Air Vice Marshal (Retd); Mr. Sampath Thuiyakontha, Inspector General of Police and Attorney-at-Law; Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, Senior DIG in charge of the Crime and Traffic Directorate; Mr. Ranmal Kodituwakku, along with several senior officers of the Air Force, who were present to witness the match.