Author name: Tharindu Withanage

To ensure the swift resolution of criminal cases and the effective administration of justice, police officers are required to establish the guilt of suspects beyond reasonable doubt by presenting both eyewitness testimony and scientific evidence before courts of law. The process of gathering scientific evidence involves the use of various technical and forensic methods, including fingerprint analysis, hair and fiber examination, detection and identification of bodily fluids such as blood, and other specialized investigative techniques. To carry out these duties with precision and professionalism, specially trained officers known as Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) operate within dedicated forensic laboratories (SOCO Labs) established in each Police Division. The enhancement and expansion of these laboratories significantly contribute to the efficient and timely completion of investigations into crimes reported at the divisional level. Accordingly, steps are being taken to identify areas where additional laboratories are required and to facilitate their establishment without delay. In line with this initiative, the Mullaitivu Division Crime Scene Laboratory, constructed at the Mankulam Police Station, was ceremonially declared open on 19.02.2026 under the patronage of Buddhika Siriwardena, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Northern Province. The event was attended by several senior police officers, including Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Kilinochchi District; Mr. M. N. S. Mendis,  Officer in Charge of the Mullaitivu Division; Mr. S. P. I. Ratnaweera,and Director of the Crime Reports Division Mr. Ruwan Kumara, 

The 2026 Police Inter-Divisional Netball Tournament commenced on 17.02.2026 at the Police Field Force Headquarters Stadium in Bambalapitiya. A significant number of athletes representing 16 police divisions took part in the competition. Following a series of competitive matches, the Police Field Force Headquarters team and the Kurunegala Division team advanced to the finals. The final match of the three-day tournament was held on the evening of 19.02.2026 at the Bambalapitiya Police Stadium, where the Police Field Force Headquarters team emerged victorious. The Kurunegala Division team secured the runners-up position, while the Badulla Division team claimed third place. The event was graced by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and the Chairperson of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Nilmini Samaratunga, as Chief Guests. Also in attendance were Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the North Western Province, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Ajith Rohana, along with several senior police officers. Individual accolades were awarded in recognition of outstanding performances.  Ms. Chandani Kariyawasam (12073 G.C.E.) of the Badulla Divisional Team was named the Best Emerging Player of the tournament. Ms. Ishani Wickramaratne (10895 G.C.E.) of the Kurunegala Divisional Team was awarded Best Midfielder.  Ms. Viraji Kamarika (6105 G.C.E.) of the Police Field Force Headquarters Team was recognized as Best Defender. Ms. AMS Adhikari (5645 G.C.E.) of the Kurunegala Divisional Team received the Best Shooter award, while Ms. Paba Umayangana (4681 G.C.E.) of the Police Field Force Headquarters Team was crowned Netball Queen of the tournament.

Conducting comprehensive studies on road accidents within specific areas and utilizing statistical findings to implement targeted preventive strategies has proven to be an effective approach in reducing traffic-related incidents and safeguarding lives. In line with this objective, the Police Research and Development Division has developed a new software-based data management system to transmit road accident information from all police jurisdictions across the island to the Traffic Control and Road Safety Division for detailed analysis and evaluation. As an initial pilot initiative, the system was introduced to all police stations in the Western Province on 19.02.2026. The official launch took place at the Conference Hall of the DIG’s Office in Colombo under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. Following a thorough assessment of its accuracy and efficiency, plans are underway to implement the system at police stations island-wide. A total of 142 tablet devices required for operating the system were distributed among Sim Card police stations to facilitate its effective use. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Senior DIG Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte of the Western Province, Senior DIG Mr. Ranmal Kodituwakku in charge of Crime and Traffic, DIG Mr. Nishantha de Silva of the Colombo District, DIG Mr. W.P.J. Senadheera of the Traffic Control and Road Safety Division, along with senior officers, Officers-in-Charge of Traffic Divisions of all police stations in the Western Province, Officers-in-Charge of Divisional Traffic Police, and Officers-in-Charge of the Urban Traffic Police.

In a significant step toward strengthening police operations through modern technology and improved physical resources, a consignment of technological equipment valued at Rs. 556 million was officially handed over to the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, by the Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, on 18.02.2026. The symbolic handover ceremony was held at the premises of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. The equipment package comprised 1,718 computers valued at Rs. 365 million, 575 photocopiers worth Rs. 129 million, speed measuring devices worth Rs. 45 million, and 1,750 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units valued at Rs. 17 million. The primary objective of providing this advanced technological equipment is to enhance the efficiency and productivity of police officers engaged in demanding public service duties. This contribution is considered one of the most substantial technological donations received by the Police Department in recent years. The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Retired Senior DIG Mr. Ravi Seneviratne

The inaugural ceremony of a special enforcement programme aimed at eradicating cannabis, other harmful narcotic substances and illicit liquor in Uva Province was held on 14 February 2026 at the Thanamalwila Police Station. The event was conducted under the patronage of Priyantha Weerasuriya, Inspector General of Police and Attorney-at-Law. Senior police officers, including the Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of Uva Province, the Deputy Inspector General in charge of Badulla District, and the Deputy Inspector General in charge of Monaragala District, together with officers-in-charge of the Monaragala and Badulla Divisions, the Thanamalwila Divisional Secretary, the District Medical Officer, school principals from the Monaragala area and community committee representatives, were present at the ceremony. Through this operation, the Sri Lanka Police aims to safeguard the youth of Uva Province from the growing threat of drugs and to completely curb the illegal liquor trade.