Author name: Tharindu Withanage

A discussion was held on 22.04.2026 at the Police Headquarters between Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy, and the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The primary focus of the discussion was to improve public convenience and operational efficiency by integrating the Sri Lanka Police with other government institutions through digital platforms, supported by the foundational infrastructure to be established alongside the introduction of digital identity cards in the near future. Attention was also directed toward establishing an efficient mechanism to enable police divisions to swiftly access essential data required for investigating crimes reported by the public, particularly those involving fraudulent activities linked to online transaction platforms emerging with the expansion of digital payment systems. Senior police officers representing the Crime, Traffic, Information Technology, and Narcotics Prevention Directorates highlighted the necessity of expediting data-sharing procedures to prevent delays and complications that may arise when obtaining information from various institutions during investigations. Potential measures and solutions were also discussed.

A special program has been introduced within the Sri Lanka Police to provide disaster relief loans to officers who have experienced unforeseen calamities and are in need of immediate financial assistance. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 22.04.2026 at the Police Headquarters between the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and the General Manager of the National Savings Bank, Mr. Rohana Weerakoon. This agreement enables the provision of essential financial support to eligible officers through the National Savings Bank (NSB). Recognizing the significance of this relief measure, particularly for officers carrying extensive responsibilities, the IGP Mr. Weerasooriya, has given continuous attention to ensuring the swift and efficient implementation of this financial assistance program since assuming duties as the Acting Inspector General of Police.

The Sri Lanka Police has made a financial contribution of Rs. 74,177,940.91 to further strengthen the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, which was established by the Government to provide relief to those affected by Cyclone Ditva and to support the restoration of damaged infrastructure. The cheque in this regard was officially handed over to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, by the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police S.C. Bamunuarachchi, together with the Officer-in-Charge of the IGP’s Secretariat, Chief Inspector Udayakumara, on 22.04.2026 at the Presidential Secretariat. This marks the third occasion on which the Sri Lanka Police has extended financial assistance to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund. On this occasion, a sum of Rs. 9,687,462.98 was donated, while a previous contribution of Rs. 50 million was officially handed over on 31.12.2025 by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya. Additionally, a further donation of Rs. 14,490,477.93 was made on 26.02.2026. This fund has been raised through contributions deducted from the salaries of all Sri Lanka Police officers, as well as through voluntary donations made by them. It is noteworthy that police personnel have willingly extended their financial support during a time of national crisis, demonstrating their commitment to serving the country while continuing to uphold law and order.

The theme for this year’s World Earth Day, observed on April 22, is “Our Power, Our Planet.” Marking World Earth Day 2026, the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association launched the **“Plant a Tree”** initiative, as part of the *Green IPA* project introduced by the International Police Association in 2024. The programme was ceremonially inaugurated on the morning of 22.04.2026 with the planting of a sapling in front of Police Headquarters, under the patronage of the Chairman of the International Police Association, Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya. He stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to plant 50,000 saplings islandwide this year through the Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate, in collaboration with Public Safety Committees. The successful implementation of the *Green IPA* project in 2024 earned the Sri Lanka Police international recognition as the branch that planted the highest number of saplings among 68 participating countries. During that initiative, the Sri Lanka Police contributed 5,000 saplings to the country. The inaugural event was attended by several senior officers, including the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate, Mr. R.A.R.N. Rajapaksa, the Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association, and the Women’s Chief Inspector of Police, Mrs. Sunethra Seneviratne.

A significant milestone was marked as 200 Junior Sub-Inspectors reported for their basic training at the Kalutara Police College, embarking on a distinguished journey dedicated to upholding law and order in the country over the coming decades. Approximately a year ago, from nearly 25,000 applicants for the rank of Sub-Inspector, this outstanding group identified as future leaders of the Sri Lanka Police was carefully selected through a series of rigorous interview stages. These junior officers will undergo training for over a year under a newly introduced modular system, incorporating local legal studies and modern technological approaches developed in collaboration with the Scottish Police. The program also includes specialized instruction designed to enhance their physical endurance and mental resilience, particularly in preparation for weapons handling and operational duties. Under the close supervision and guidance of the Director of the Probationary Officers Recruitment Division, SSP Mr. Sujeewa Wijesena, and the Director of the Kalutara Police College, SSP Mr. Dushantha Ruwan Thalagala, the new recruits were formally received into the Sri Lanka Police at the Kalutara Police College premises on 19.04.2025. We extend our sincere best wishes to these newly inducted officers as they begin their careers in public service, and hope they serve with integrity, dedication, and honor.