Tharindu Withanage – Page 29 – SRI LANKA POLICE

Author name: Tharindu Withanage

Notable Services

“Gov Pay” Introduced for Traffic Fine Payments in Kandy, Matale, Gampola, and Theldeniya Divisions

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The Ministry of Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and LankaPay, has jointly introduced the Gov Pay online payment system to facilitate the settlement of traffic fines in the Central Province. Awareness programmes were conducted to familiarize police officers with the technical procedures involved in using the Gov Pay system. Accordingly, a programme was held on February 2, 2026, for officers of the Nuwara Eliya and Hatton Divisions, followed by another session on February 3, 2026, at the auditorium of the Kandy Police Headquarters for officers attached to the Kandy, Matale, Gampola, and Theldeniya Police Divisions. These sessions were conducted under the patronage of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Lalith Pathinayake, in charge of the Central Province, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Senadheera of the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate. The objective of these programmes was to equip police officers with the necessary technical knowledge to operate the online traffic fine payment system and to enable them to educate the public on its proper use. The programme was supported by several resource persons, including Mr. Harshana Purasinghe, Advisor to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development; Mr. Sumudu Ratnayake, Digital Security Advisor; Mr. Chandana Silva and Mr. Amila Ekanayake, Executive Officers of LankaPay; and Ms. Udari Withanage, Project Manager of ICTA. During the event, modern mobile devices were also ceremonially distributed to police officers to facilitate the effective use of the online fine payment system in the field. With the implementation of this initiative, members of the public may now obtain guidance from police officers to pay traffic fines through the Gov Pay system within the Central Province. Upon completion of the online payment, driving licences can be released immediately. If required, fines may also be settled at a later time by following the instructions available at https://govpay.lk/si/spot-fine

Notable Services

“Gov Pay” Facilitates Online Payment of Traffic Fines in Nuwara Eliya and Hatton Divisions

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The Ministry of Digital Economy, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and LankaPay have jointly launched the Gov Pay online payment system, enabling motorists to conveniently pay traffic fines within the Nuwara Eliya and Hatton Police Divisions. An awareness and inauguration program was held on the morning of 02.02.2026 at the Ascharya Function Hall of the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat, under the patronage of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Nuwara Eliya District, Mr. Priyantha Chandrasiri, and the DIG of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, Mr. W. P. J. Senadheera. Representing ICTA, Project Manager Udari Withanage and Technical Officer Inuka Mayakaduwa, along with LankaPay Project Manager Amila Ekanayake, provided essential technical guidance to police officers on the use of the online fine payment system, as well as on public awareness initiatives. The keynote address was delivered by DIG (Traffic and Road Safety) Mr. W. P. J. Senadheera. During the program, modern smartphones were also symbolically issued to police officers to facilitate the implementation of the online traffic fine payment process. Members of the public may now seek guidance from police officers in the Central Province on paying traffic fines through the Gov Pay system. Upon completing the payment online, motorists will be able to retrieve their driving licenses immediately. Additionally, if required, payments may be made at a later time by following the instructions provided on the official Gov Pay platform.  https://govpay.lk/si/spot-fine

Special Events

78th National Independence Day Parade

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The 78th National Independence Day Parade of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was ceremonially held on 04 February 2026 at Independence Square, Colombo, under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency the President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Having ensured security at every Independence Day celebration since the first commemoration in 1949, the Sri Lanka Police once again played a pivotal role this year. Under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, the Sri Lanka Police proudly participated in the national parade, upholding its longstanding tradition of service and dedication. The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by His Excellency the President, who arrived in ceremonial procession at the forefront of police motorcycles, symbolizing authority and national pride. Following the Presidential Address, the Awards Parade of the 78th Independence Day celebrations began, featuring the Tri-Forces, the Sri Lanka Police, the Civil Defence Force, and the National Cadet Corps. The Sri Lanka Police Awards Parade was led by Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Nishantha Chandrasekara, mounted on the horse Henk. He was flanked by mounted escorts bearing swords—Superintendent of Police Mr. Lasith Abeywickrama, Superintendent of Police Mr. Isuru Nishantha, and Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Ruchira Karunanayake. Next, the Sri Lanka Police— the foremost state institution established on 03 September 1866 to maintain law and order—marched proudly behind the Police Flag. Bearing the historic motto “Dhammo Have Rakkathi Dhammachari” and the emblem of the elephant symbolizing strength, the formation was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Chamara Herath. Two Sub-Inspectors of Police marched on either side, carrying ceremonial swords. Thereafter, the oldest security force band in Sri Lanka, established in 1873—and the same band that proudly performed the National Anthem at the first Independence Day celebration—took center stage. Under the direction of Drum Major Police Constable Mr. Piumal Thilakaratne, the band led the Sri Lanka Police Battalion commanded by Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Sameera Rajapaksa. The Chief Drill Instructor, Sergeant Major Mr. Piyasiri Wijesundera, followed closely behind. Subsequently, the Women Police Battalion, established on 01 January 1952, marched with distinction under the command ofy Women Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mrs. Inoka Liyanage. The Police Special Task Force (STF), established in 1983 and widely recognized as one of the finest paramilitary forces in South Asia, also participated in the parade, proudly paying tribute to His Excellency the President. The Police Special Task Force Flag, bearing the motto “Niyathai Jaya”, was carried by Chief Inspector of Police Mr. Chandana Piyasena. The Police Special Task Force Band, led by Drum Major Police Constable Mr. Suneth Perera, guided the Police Special Task Force Battalion commanded by Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Gayan Sanjeewa. Demonstrating exceptional discipline and precision, the battalion was followed by the Chief Drill Instructor of the STF, Police Sergeant Mr. Chaminda Herath. One of the most vibrant and visually striking segments of the Police Awards Parade was the appearance of the Police Horsemen, led by Superintendent of Police Mr. Minura Senarath. The Police Mounted Division, which originated in 1921 with eight British police officers, holds the distinction of being the second instance globally where mounted units were employed for police duties. Training for the Sri Lanka Police Independence Day Parade was conducted under the supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police – Training and Advanced Training, Mr. Sampath Liyanage. The official explanatory commentary and announcements for the Police Awards Parade were delivered by Sub-Inspector of Police Mr. Nimal Abeysinghe of the Police Media Division.

Notable Services

Exposition of Sacred Relics Brought from India – Special Traffic Plan With Bus service

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The sacred relics to be brought from India on 04.02.2026 will be expositioned for public veneration at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple from 06.00 a.m. on 05.02.2026 to 07.00 a.m on 11.02.2026. In view of this sacred exposition, a special security arrangement and traffic management plan will be implemented in and around the Gangaramaya Temple premises during the above period.  Public Instructions – The Sri Lanka Police kindly request the public to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a smooth and peaceful worship experience for all devotees: • As the sacred relics exposition will remain open 24 hours, kindly cooperate fully with the security measures implemented by the Sri Lanka Police.  • A large number of local and foreign devotees are expected; therefore, remain vigilant against thieves and other criminals, and safeguard wallets, jewelry, and personal belongings. • Please don’t use your mobile phone within the Sacred Chamber • Refrain from bringing Helmets, Jackets, Large Bags, and other personal items into the Temple Premises. • Park vehicles only in designated parking areas. • Comply with traffic regulations and drive responsibly; seek assistance from police officers when required. • Please follow the Buddhist tradition when you enter the Temple premises.   Special Shuttle Service A special shuttle bus service will operate from the following locations to Gangaramaya Temple for the convenience of devotees: • Old MOD Grounds Parking Area (MOD Park) • Port City Parking Area • Parking Area near Shangri-La Hotel ________________________________________  Road Closures The following roads will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic: • Jinarathana Mawatha from James Peiris Mawatha Junction towards the temple • Jinarathana Mawatha from Hunupitiya Wewa Road Junction towards the temple • Jinarathana Mawatha from Lake Crescent (Hunupitiya Road) Junction towards the temple • Park Street from Jinarathana Mawatha Junction towards the temple • Staple Street from Muttiah Road Junction • James Peiris Mawatha from Muttiah Road Junction ________________________________________  Restricted Parking Areas • Navam Mawatha • Perahera Mawatha • Ramanayake Mawatha • James Peiris Mawatha • Jinarathana Mawatha • Muttiah Road • Altair Avenue • Staple Street • Dawson Street • Union Place • Hyde Park Corner • Baybrook Place • Park Street • Lake Crescent • Hunupitiya Wewa Road • Dharmapala Mawatha ________________________________________   Free Parking Areas • Port City Parking Area • Parking Area near Shangri-La Hotel • Parking Area at Old MOD Grounds • F. R. Senanayake Mawatha Parking Area • Dhanapala Mawatha, Viharamahadevi Park Area • Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path) Parking Area • School Road Parking • Vauxhall Street Parking • Vacant land of the Old Sathosa premises near Colombo City Centre Paid Parking Facilities • Private parking near Gamini Roundabout • Parking area opposite Lake House • Parking at Access Tower Building • Parking at Old Manning Market Grounds • Chamas Parking ________________________________________  Restrictions on Heavy Vehicle Movement The entry of heavy vehicles will be restricted on the following routes: • Entry to Perahera Mawatha via Uttarananda Mawatha • Entry to Navam Mawatha via Uttarananda Mawatha • Entry to James Peiris Mawatha from Kompanyaveediya Junction • Union Place entering Staple Street from Staple Street Junction • Union Place entering Dawson Street Junction • Entry to Hyde Park Corner from Ibbanwala Junction • Entry to Park Street from Dharmapala Mawatha and Park Street Junction • Dharmapala Mawatha entering Hunupitiya Cross Road Junction • Entry from Pittala Junction to James Peiris Mawatha press conference Part 01 press conference Part 02 press conference Part 03 press conference Part 04

Police News

A consignment of narcotics weighing 61 kilograms and 838 grams seized while being transported

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The Special Operations Western North Unit operating from the Gonahena camp of the Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a suspect in possession of 61kg and 838g of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “ice”) during a raid conducted in the Pinnagolla Watta area of Nittambuwa on the evening of 20.01.2026. Investigations have revealed that the suspect is an associate of a key suspect currently residing overseas, who is allegedly involved in large-scale drug trafficking and organized criminal activities within the country. The arrested individual is a 45-year-old resident of the Pinnagolla Watta area, Nittambuwa. The suspect was apprehended while transporting the stock of narcotics in a three-wheeler. Following the arrest, the Police Special Task Force handed over both the suspect and the seized narcotics to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigations.

Police News

Main suspect arrested in connection with video of a woman being abused circulated on social media

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Officers of the Child and Women Abuse Prevention Bureau, who launched an investigation into a video that recently circulated on social media depicting a man forcibly stripping a woman, identified the victim and arrested the principal suspect on 18 January 2026 while he was in hiding at a well-known hotel in the Hikkaduwa area. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two residents of the Eheliyagoda area, aged 44 and 55, who had allegedly assisted the main suspect and helped conceal evidence from the police. The Child and Women Abuse Prevention Bureau has taken steps to present the relevant facts before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and to obtain a travel ban order against the principal suspect. According to information uncovered during the investigation, the suspect had stripped a woman employed as a domestic aide at his residence in the presence of a group, recorded the act, and circulated the footage on social media via a WhatsApp group. Investigations have further revealed that, following the incident, the suspect had stayed at several prominent hotels in an attempt to evade arrest by the police. Further inquiries into the arrested suspects are currently being carried out by the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Bureau.

Police News

Public advised to remain vigilant and avoid becoming victims of online crimes

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If an unknown individual or organization contacts you via social media or telephone claiming to offer a job opportunity, informing you that you have won a prize, or making false allegations and requesting that you deposit money into an account to avoid legal action, do not act hastily. Refrain from making any payments and verify the authenticity of such claims thoroughly. If you believe you have been defrauded or have suffered a financial loss by any means, please report the incident immediately by contacting one of the following numbers: Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID): Deputy Director: 011-2300638Personal Assistant: 011-2381375Officer in charge : 011-2381058 According to complaints received from police stations across the island, it has been observed that these frauds are carried out through various methods, including obtaining bank account details, passwords, One-Time Passwords (OTP), QR codes, as well as through malicious internet links, extensions, and scan codes. In some instances, fraudsters impersonate bank officials, contact victims, obtain sensitive banking information, and intimidate them by falsely claiming that money linked to drug trafficking has been deposited into their accounts. Several such incidents have recently been reported to the Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Unit, as well as to the Padukka Police Station, where suspects posed as police officers and attempted to obtain bank details and money from the public. Members of the public are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety precautions when receiving such calls: Safety Guidelines * Verify information through official and authorized channels. * Never share bank details, National Identity Card (NIC) numbers, login credentials, OTPs, passwords, PIN numbers, or personal photographs with third parties. *Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links. * Use only trusted and verified accounts or platforms. *Always confirm the identity of the caller or organization before making any financial transactions. *The contact numbers of the Mirihana Police Special Crime Investigation Unit, which has received numerous complaints regarding such fraudulent activities, are provided below: *Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Unit: 011-2852556 * Officer-in-Charge / Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Unit: 075-3994214

Police News

Eleven kilograms of narcotics recovered following the inspection of a suspicious vehicle

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On the morning of 14 January 2026, officers of the Expressway Division’s Godagama Interchange Unit intercepted and inspected a car travelling from Colombo on the Southern Expressway at the Palatuwa exit. During the inspection, approximately 6 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ice) and 5 kilograms of heroin were discovered inside the vehicle. When officers attempted to stop the car, the driver and another occupant tried to flee the scene by abandoning the vehicle. However, following a brief pursuit, both suspects were apprehended. The arrested suspects, aged 20 and 21, are residents of the Navimana and Kotuwegoda areas in Matara. The suspects along with the seized narcotics are to be handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigations.

Police News

Three suspects arrested in three separate raids with narcotics, including a firearm and a prohibited sword

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A team of officers attached to the Kalubowila Camp of the Police Special Task Force (STF) conducted a raid and search of a residence in the Kalubowila area on the afternoon of 13.01.2026, during which a foreign-manufactured 12-bore firearm and one round of ammunition were recovered. A person present at the premises at the time of the raid was taken into custody, and subsequent inquiries revealed that the suspect is a 26-year-old resident of the same house. The operation was carried out based on intelligence information received from the Army.The suspect has been handed over to the Kohuwala Police for further investigations. On the same day, officers of the Western North Special Operations Unit, operating from the Gonahena Camp, arrested a suspect following a search conducted in front of the Meethotamulla Bus Depot in Wellampitiya. During the search, 6,700g of marijuana were discovered in the suspect’s possession. The suspect is an 18-year-old resident of the Meethotamulla area. A three-wheeler, suspected to have been used for the transportation of narcotics, was also taken into police custody.The suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the Wellampitiya Police for further investigation. Meanwhile, officers of Special Operations Unit 1 of the Police Special Task Force carried out a raid in the Samithpura area of Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15, that evening. During the operation, one suspect was arrested in possession of 27g and 200mg of heroin, one iron sword, and one prohibited knife. The arrested individual is a 27-year-old resident of the same premises where the raid was conducted. He has been handed over to the Wellampitiya Police for further investigations.

Special Events

25,000 Saplings from the Police to the Motherland for National Independence Day

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In accordance with a proposal made by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, an Environmental Police Week has been declared in conjunction with the 78th National Independence Day, which falls on 04 February 2026. Accordingly, an island-wide tree-planting programme is being implemented under the guidance of the Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate. Under this initiative, approximately 25,000 valuable plant saplings, including cardamom, mee, jackfruit, and various fruit plants, are to be distributed to police stations throughout the island. The official inauguration ceremony of the sapling distribution programme was held on the morning of 02 February 2026 at the Police Field Force Headquarters. On this occasion, around 2,500 saplings were symbolically distributed to 126 police stations in the Western Province under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijeyapala, with the participation of the Inspector General of Police. Under the supervision of the Forest Conservation Department, the saplings will be transported to all police stations across the island over the coming days, together with the necessary guidelines for proper planting and maintenance. The Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate will also conduct post-planting monitoring and follow-up to ensure the success of the initiative. With the commitment of the Environmental Police Officers and the entire police force, this programme is expected to significantly enhance green coverage across the country. The initiative aims to achieve its primary objective of contributing positively to environmental conservation while preserving the nation’s natural beauty. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) Mr. G.M.R.D. Aponsu, Additional Secretary to the President Engineer Mr. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara representing the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Retired Senior DIG Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, DIG in charge of the Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate Mr. R.A.R.N. Rajapaksa, Director of the Community Policing Division Mr. SSP D.K. Priyantha, Director of the Environmental Protection Division SSP Mr. D.K. Manoj Perera, along with numerous other senior police officers and government officials.

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