Author name: Tharindu Withanage

The traditional New Year banquet, organized at the Police Headquarters premises to mark the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, was held on the morning of 16.04.2026 under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, with the participation of officers stationed at Police Headquarters. Addressing the assembled gathering, the IGP conveyed his warm New Year greetings to all members of the police force and expressed his sincere appreciation to the officers who remained committed to ensuring peace and security throughout the festive season. He also extended special gratitude to the family members of police officers, acknowledging their invaluable support in strengthening the officers both mentally and emotionally. During his address, the IGP shared several important insights on maintaining efficient administrative functions, implementing effective security measures, and further enhancing the welfare of police personnel. He commended the officers for their outstanding performance in recent times and their unwavering dedication to safeguarding public life and property. Concluding his remarks, the IGP encouraged all officers to continue their commendable service and strive for excellence in upholding law and order across the country in the New Year.

A comprehensive modernization program has been implemented across police stations in the North Western Province. This initiative was carried out in line with a concept introduced by the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the North Western Province, Mr. Ajith Rohana, and under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Divisional Officers within the province. The project covered 69 police stations belonging to five police divisions. The following improvements and upgrades were undertaken: Modernization and air-conditioning of Children and Women’s Bureau unitsSystematic arrangement of detention cells, arms storage facilities, case rooms, and record rooms in accordance with safety standardsEstablishment of designated weapon unloading pointsUpgrading and air-conditioning of various complaint handling sectionsRenovation and air-conditioning of police canteensConstruction of secure storage facilities for motorcycles held as case exhibits This project was implemented with the objective of enhancing the quality of service delivery, while minimizing inconvenience to both police officers and the general public. Initiated in February 2025, the project has now been successfully completed.

The ceremonial event to hand over official residences to the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of 14 police stations in the Southern Province was held on 12.04.2026 under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, with the participation of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. During the occasion, official residences allocated for the OICs of several police stations were formally inaugurated. These included Ahangama, Kotawila, and Dickwella Police Stations in the Matara District; Uragasmanhandiya, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, and Akmeemana Police Stations in the Galle District; as well as Angunakolapelessa, Mattala, and Kirinda Police Stations in the Hambantota District. The event was attended by Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Kithsiri Jayalath in charge of the Southern Province; Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Chamika Wickramasinghe in charge of the Matara-Hambantota Division; Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. H.C.A. Pushpakumara in charge of the Galle Division; Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Wasantha Jayamini Kumara in charge of the Matara Division; Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. K.S.K. Rupasinghe in charge of the Galle Division; Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Lucky Randeniya in charge of the Elpitiya Division; and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Nipuna Dehigama in charge of the Tangalle Division. A large number of senior police officers were also present at the ceremony.

Demonstrating true camaraderie, it is a commendable virtue to remember and support fellow officers in times of hardship, even while serving beyond national borders in the cause of peace. Financial contributions collected by Sri Lankan police officers deployed on United Nations peacekeeping duties in Sudan, for the benefit of their colleagues whose homes were damaged by the recent Cyclone “Ditwa,” were officially handed over at the Police Headquarters today. At the ceremony, presided over by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, the relief funds were distributed among the affected officers. This heartfelt gesture of compassion and unity, extended from distant Sudan to their fellow officers, was widely appreciated and warmly commended by all present.

The newly established Research Center, constructed in accordance with the provisions of the National Police Training Institute Act No. 44 of 2011, fulfills a long-standing requirement of the institution and was ceremonially declared open today (April 9, 2026). The inauguration ceremony, held under the patronage of the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province, Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte, was attended by Retired DIG Rohan Abeywardena, a panel of experts including university academics, as well as numerous senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police. Notably, the inauguration of this center coincides with the International Research Conference in line with the 160th Police Day of the Sri Lanka Police Service. The key anticipated benefits include: * The introduction of advanced scientific research methodologies within the police service * The enhancement of officers’ analytical and investigative capabilities in accordance with international standards * The generation of new knowledge in fields such as criminology and community policing through collaboration with universities and external specialists “The establishment of this research center represents a significant step towards transforming the Sri Lanka Police Service into a knowledge-driven, professional institution aligned with global standards.” This milestone will undoubtedly contribute greatly to the future progress of the National Police Training Institute and the overall qualitative advancement of the Sri Lanka Police.

The newly appointed Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Department, Rear Admiral Mr. Rohan Joseph, paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, at Police Headquarters on 07.04.2026. During the meeting, the IGP commended the vital role played by the Coast Guard Department in ensuring a secure and peaceful maritime zone through the protection of marine resources and the preservation of the marine environment around the island. Discussions were also held on further strengthening the existing cooperation between the two institutions in combating illegal activities along the coastline.