Author name: Tharindu Withanage

The Sri Lanka Police wishes to announce that, due to the unexpected severe weather conditions impacting various parts of the island, certain foreign tourists visiting the country may be facing difficulties or disruptions to their travel plans.   Should any foreign national or group encounter distress, require assistance, or face challenges in reaching the airport as a result of the prevailing disaster situation, the Sri Lanka Police stands ready to provide immediate support, protection, and necessary guidance.   Foreign tourists are kindly advised to contact the following designated officers and hotlines for assistance:   Director, Police Tourism Division Mobile        : 071–8591894   OIC, Police Tourism Division Landline      : 011–2421070 Mobile        : 071–8591895   OIC, Airport Police Landline      : 011–2251475 Mobile        : 071–8591640   OIC, Airport Tourism Police Mobile        : 071–8596057  The Sri Lanka Police remains committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and uninterrupted travel of all visitors during this period.

Due to the unexpected severe weather conditions impacting the island, numerous areas have experienced heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and landslides. Evacuation notices have been issued to residents in several affected regions.  To ensure effective coordination during this emergency and to deliver essential assistance, an IGP Special Operations Unit has been set up at Police Headquarters under the direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Please use below Landline and Whatsapp Numbers for any assistance.   Contact Numbers: Whatsapp Numbers Email Address: 011 – 2013051 011 – 2027148 011 – 2027149 011 – 2472757 011 – 2430912 071 – 8595880071 – 8595881071 – 8595882071 – 8595883071 – 8595884   igp.opsroom@police.gov.lk   Police officers at stations island wide have been organized into teams to respond promptly to disaster-related incidents within their respective jurisdictions.Disaster-response equipment such as boats and diving gear has also been prepared for immediate deployment.   In addition, the authorities of the Disaster Management Centre, the Tri-Forces, and other relevant agencies have been informed and integrated into the coordinated response efforts.   The Police have implemented appropriate measures within each Police Division to safeguard the homes and properties of displaced individuals, while also ensuring adequate security and welfare facilities for those sheltered in safe locations.   The Sri Lanka Police, working in collaboration with the Tri-Forces and Disaster Management Centre officials, request the cooperation of the public in activities such as rescuing disaster victims, distributing relief, and ensuring security in affected areas.     Furthermore, the Police strongly advise the public to refrain from irresponsible behavior such as visiting hazardous locations, travelling to disaster sites, or driving vehicles recklessly on flooded roads.     press conference (Video)

The Sri Lanka Police emerged victorious at the 39th Public Service Athletics Championship, securing the overall championship with an impressive 678 points. The championship was held on 20th and 21st November at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Diyagama. Competing against 1,200 athletes from 80 state institutions, the Police Sports Team delivered an outstanding performance, achieving numerous first-place wins and comfortably collecting the points required to claim the overall title. Among the notable achievements, Police Constable 7809 B.G. Sachithra Harshani Jayakantha of the Criminal Investigation Department was awarded the Best Female Athlete of the tournament. She recently won five gold medals at the 23rd Asian Veterans Athletics Games, reaffirming her position as one of the most exceptional female athletes in the Sri Lanka Police. Police Constable 90433 T.G.S. Wijethunga of the Police Sports Division received the Best Athlete award, while Police Constable 107601 D.M.P. Prabodh of the Police College was recognized as the Best New Athlete. The Best New Female Athlete award was presented to Female Police Constable 13288 Dissanayake** of the Idula Police Station. In the age group categories, Female Sub-Inspector Dilrukshi of the Monaragala Police Station was named the Best Athlete (50–54 years). Constable 6216 Udaya Kumara of the Police Special Task Force secured the Best Athlete (35–39 years) title, while Female Police Constable 8646 of the Galle Police Station received the same recognition in the women’s category. Police Sergeant 39931 G.M.C. Sarath Kumara of the Police Special Task Force was awarded the Best Athlete (45–49 years)**. In addition to these top honours, the Sri Lanka Police secured runners-up positions in the 55–59, 45–49, 40–44, and 35–39 age categories, while also becoming **champions in the 50–54, novice, and open athletics categories. The success of the Police team is credited to the strong leadership and encouragement of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, along with the dedicated efforts of DIG Mahinda Dissanayake, Chairman of Police Athletics, and *SSP Sugath Galagamage*, Secretary of Police Athletics.