Author name: Tharindu Withanage

The last rites of Police Constable 82615 Mr. M. Sarath Kumara, who died in an accident while on duty checking vehicles at the roadblock near the Walawe Ganga Bridge in Ambalantota, were performed on 03.01.2026. The officer who died on duty was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant on the basis of post-promotion. IGP Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya visited the residence in Weeriyagama, Sooriyawewa where the body was laid to rest and paid his last respects. Many police officers who had not served with the officer, including senior police officers in the area, attended the last rites that day.

225 energetic young men of this country, who were fortunate enough to join the best paramilitary force in South Asia as a Police Constable, reported to the Elpitiya Police College on 31.12.2025 for basic training. These individuals, who have successfully demonstrated the physical strength, mental strength, discipline, as well as the appropriate educational level and family background required to wear the proud uniform of the Police Special Task Force during the initial selection tests, will receive special training at the Police Academy to become highly skilled and armed officers dedicated to protecting the country.

A stock of illicit drugs, weighing approximately 170 kg , seized on 7 September 2021, was transported to the Wanathawilluwa incinerator this morning (2 January 2026) for destruction, in accordance with court orders. The consignment was detected following intelligence gathered by the Batticaloa Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau, with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy, and was subsequently handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigations. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the net quantity of the seized narcotics consisted of 106 kilograms and 248 g of heroin and 90.5 g of opium. The Police Narcotics Bureau took custody of the drug haul from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court at approximately 6.00 a.m. today. The consignment was then transported to Wanathawilluwa under tight security, including the deployment of officers from the Police Special Task Force (STF). The destruction process was supervised by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Narcotics Bureau, Mr. Ashoka Dharmasena, along with officials from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, the Government Analyst’s Department, and court officials, who were present to oversee the receipt and handling of the narcotics.

Marking the dawn of the New Year 2026, the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, together with officers attached to the Police Headquarters, gathered on the morning of January 1st to formally commence official duties for the year. The occasion was marked by the administration of the Public Service Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to dignified and responsible public service. Addressing all police divisions island-wide via the online communication system, the IGP urged officers to dedicate themselves to delivering a more people friendly service and to play a proactive role in maintaining law, order, and social harmony across the country. The ceremony also included a moment of remembrance for fallen officers and war heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland. Following this, a traditional New Year tea table was shared among the officers. The Inspector General further outlined the institutional initiatives planned to enhance the welfare of all police officers and extended his heartfelt New Year greetings to the entire service. Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of Administration, Mr. Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Western Province, Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte, along with other senior officers, junior officers, and civil staff of the Sri Lanka Police, were present at the event and conveyed their New Year wishes to the IGP.

On the following morning, in connection with the all-night Pirith Chanting conducted at Police Headquarters on 30.12.2025, a group of senior police officers, led by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, visited the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple to offer heel alms on behalf of twenty-five individuals. On this occasion, the Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thero, together with the Maha Sangha, extended their blessings and best wishes for good health, prosperity, and success in the year 2025 to the Inspector General of Police, all serving officers of the Sri Lanka Police, as well as retired police personnel.