Author name: Tharindu Withanage

It has been observed that a news is being circulated in the media stating that in addition to the Grama Niladhari certificate required to verify the residence of the applicant in order to obtain a police report, a character certificate issued by the Chairman of the Civil Security Committee (Public Security Committee) of the Grama Niladhari Division must be obtained.  We hereby inform you that such reports are false since a character certificate issued by the Chairman of the Public Security Committee is not required when applying for a police report. • Procedure for obtaining a police report required for local employment and travel to Middle Eastern countries – After the relevant person submits the request letter, Grama Niladhari certificate and National Identity Card to the police station of his address, the relevant police station will promptly provide the relevant report after conducting proper investigations in the matter. • Procedure for obtaining a police report to travel abroad for employment, education and residence to countries other than the Middle East – The police clearance report is issued after proper investigation by submitting an application online through the official police website www.police.lk and uploading copies of documents.  

During a raid conducted in the Kapuwatta area of Midigama on the morning of 19.11.2025, the Colombo North Crime Division was able to arrest a suspect who was keeping a T-56 firearm, 30 ammunition, and a live grenade manufactured in a foreign country with the intention of committing a massacre of a family living in the Midigama area.   21 g and 750 mg of the Ice narcotic were also apprehended in the possession of the suspect, during the investigation. As per the information disclosed during the preliminary investigation, the suspect, who was a resident in the Tangalle Danketiya area, was identified as an ex-serviceman who served for about 05 years in the Sri Lanka Army and then resigned in the year 2013. It is reported that this suspect was planning to carry out the massacre on 19.11.2025, according to a contract of murder received from an organized criminal residing overseas. A motorcycle and 02 safety helmets, which were suspected to be used to leave for the crime, were seized during the raid. Further investigations are underway regarding the suspect by the Colombo North Crime Division and the Weligama Crime Division.  

Based on a piece of information received by the Colombo North Crime Division regarding several suspicious parcels floating in the sea near the Beruwala coast, officers of the Department of Coast Guard retrieved the parcels on 18.11.2025 and when the parcels were examined by the Police Narcotics Bureau, a stock of 43 kilograms and 968 grams of narcotic ice was found. On the same day, officers of the Bentota Police Station also received a tip-off regarding a suspicious parcel that had drifted ashore in Bentota. On 18.11.2025, the said officers checked the relevant place and found a parcel of narcotics. Upon inspection by the Police Narcotics Bureau, it was revealed that the parcel contained 19 kilograms and 850 grams of heroin. The Police Narcotics Bureau, Bentota Police Station, and Beruwala Police Station are conducting investigations to identify the suspects in connection with the two incidents.

Having uncovered that the motorcyclist, who has been arrested on suspicion on 14.11.2025 by two Police officers attached to Athurugiriya Police Station, during their night patrol duty, is a ringleader of a gang that stole five cattle, the officers of Athurugiriya Police Station have been able to arrest six suspects involved in cow theft. A van and a jeep used by the suspects for the theft with 02 motorcycles have also been seized. Investigation has been initiated on the complaint received to Athurugiriya Police Station regarding a cattle theft on the night of 13.11.2025 in Bakmeegaha area, Pore, Athurugiriya. The suspect, who was arrested on suspicion, was detained at the police station and interrogated, and the suspect was seen in CCTV footage at the scene of the cattle theft. Since the Inspector of Police, Mr. Premalal the Officer in Charge of the Crime Branch of Athurugiriya Police Station and Police Constable 84898 Harsha have conducted a sudden check on the motorcyclist, it resulted in this successful rescue of five cattle worth around Rs. 1.1 million. The suspects who are at the age of 26, 28, 29, 39, and 51 years old are residents of Elpitiya, Moratuwa, Yakkalamulla, Etkandura, Keselwatte, Hambantota, and Kahaduwa areas. Further investigation has revealed that these suspects are the same suspects who stole 23 more cattle in several areas. The Athurugiriya Police Station conducts further investigations into the suspects and the relevant vehicles.

The Sri Lanka Police report that a video showing a foreign national woman being sexually assaulted by an individual had been circulating on social media in recent days.  In response, the Police Tourism Division, together with the Thirukkovil Police, launched an investigation into the incident, which has drawn international criticism and damaged the country’s reputation. Police subsequently issued a public appeal for assistance in identifying the suspect. Based on information received, officers arrested the suspect on 16 November 2025 in the Periyanilaveni Police Division. The suspect, a 25-year-old resident of Ellai Street, Kaluwanchikudi, was allegedly involved in the sexual assault, which is believed to have occurred on 25 October 2025. According to police, the Tourism Division, along with the Thirukkovil and Pottuvil Police, made extensive efforts to locate and apprehend the individual. At the time of his arrest, the suspect had reportedly altered his appearance and changed his residence in an attempt to evade capture. The suspect is expected to be handed over to the Pottuvil Police for further investigation.

A hotel employee has been taken into custody by the Colombo Fort Police following a complaint lodged by a Dutch female tourist regarding the theft of foreign currency from her wallet. According to police, the incident occurred on the evening of 11 November 2025, while the official complaint was filed at the Colombo Fort Police on 13 November 2025. The complainant had been staying with another woman in a special guest room at a hotel within the Colombo Fort Police Division when she discovered that Dirhams and Euros amounting to approximately Rs. 330,000 in local currency had gone missing. Upon receiving the report through the Tourist Police, officers of the Colombo Fort Police promptly initiated investigations, which led to the arrest of a 41 year old suspect from Kandana, who was employed at the hotel. During interrogation, the suspect admitted that he had taken the money while the foreign guests were out of the room and had subsequently transferred the stolen currency through a financial institution located in the Ja-Ela area. The suspect is expected to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today, 14 November 2025. Further inquiries are being carried out by the Colombo Fort Police.

A complaint was received by the Police Tourism Division on 25.10.2025 regarding a three-wheeler driver who had cheated a Nepalese woman who had come to visit this country and charged her Rs. 30,000/= for a fare. Officers of the division, who started investigations based on the appearance of the suspect’s three-wheeler and the suspect’s physical characteristics, arrested the suspect on 11.11.2025 after a two-week investigation. Officers who were on a motorcycle tour were able to identify the suspect and he was presented to the Company Street Police Station for further legal action. Earlier, two residents of Imbulgoda and Wellampitiya were arrested for defrauding two Brazilian and Belgian women and charging them Rs. 10,000/= and Rs. 30,000/= for a rental trip. We would like to inform you that the entire tourism industry of the country is being tarnished due to a small group of people who engage in such fraudulent activities. We would like to inform you to refrain from charging foreigners unacceptable amounts for any service provided.