Author name: Tharindu Withanage

An analysis of calls received by the 119 hotline reveals that, in addition to genuine emergencies requiring immediate police intervention, a significant number of false calls and complaints meant for other services are being reported. Such misuse prevents individuals facing real emergencies from promptly reaching the 119 Police Emergency Call Centre, potentially delaying critical police response. Legal action will be taken against persons who knowingly provide false information. Supplying misleading information to a public servant is a punishable offence under the Sri Lanka Penal Code. Therefore, when police assistance through 119 is not urgently required, the public is advised to contact the relevant institutions using their designated short telephone numbers. Do not misuse the 119 emergency hotline. press conference (Click here)

As part of the ongoing digitalization initiative of the Sri Lanka Police, the ”GovPay” system, which enables on-the-spot payment of fines for traffic offences, was introduced to the Badulla and Bandarawela Police Divisions in the Uva Province on December 18, 2025. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Kanmark Hotel in Bandarawela from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. During the event, modern technological devices and smartphones required to enhance the efficiency of traffic duties were distributed at the divisional level. Accordingly, 82 smartphones were distributed to the Bandarawela Police Division, while 90 smartphones were provided to the Badulla Police Division. The event was attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Monaragala Range, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Nihal Thalduwa, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic and Road Safety, Mr. W.P.J. Senadheera; the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Badulla Division, Mr. K.W.R. Jagath Rohana; and the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Bandarawela Division, Mr. Roshan Amarasinghe, along with several senior police officers and representatives of technical departments. Representing partner institutions, Project Manager Ms. Udari Withanage and Ms. Inuka Mayakaduwa from the Technical Department of ICTA, as well as Assistant Manager Mr. Migara Silva from LankaPay, were also present. Chief Inspectors of Police, Officers-in-Charge of the Badulla and Bandarawela Headquarters, and Officers-in-Charge of all Traffic Divisions participated in the training and inauguration programme. The implementation of the ”GovPay” system is expected to reduce inconvenience to motorists by enabling quick and easy fine payments, while also enhancing transparency and efficiency in police operations through real-time data connectivity.

Police officers and medical officers attached to the Police Hospital in Kundasale, operated by the Sri Lanka Police Police Medical Services Division, conducted 21 medical camps for the public affected by Cyclone “Ditwa” over a period of two weeks. As a result, 2554 patients were examined and treated, covering 09 police divisions, and the first medical camp was held on 03.12.2025 at the Kandy Headquarters Police, where medical advice and treatment were provided to 678 patients. During the next 13 days, medical camps were held at Matale, Gampola, Ududumbara, Hasalaka, Yatiyanthota, Galaha, Ragala police stations and the mission was successfully completed with the last camp at Udupussellawa police on 16.12.2025. The receipt of a large amount of medicines and clothes as donations from the Senior DIG of the Southern Province has also helped in making this task extremely successful. Furthermore, the Kundasala Police Hospital respectfully recalls the assistance provided by Dr. Gemunu Wijesundara, who was transferred from the Kundasala Police Hospital and attended all the displacement camps. It is assumed that this may be the largest number of patients examined by a single medical team after the cyclone. We, the police officers whose first duty is the welfare of the public, would like to express our gratitude to the senior officers of the Police Medical Services Division, as well as the medical officers and staff of the Kundasale Police Hospital, who provided invaluable assistance in successfully implementing such a social service.

Under a concept initiated by the Chairperson of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Attorney at Law Mrs. Nilmini Neeta Samaratunga. The unit is successfully implementing a series of programs aimed at identifying underprivileged schools across the island and providing essential assistance to needy students. In view of the prevailing adverse weather conditions affecting the country, another such program was conducted on 15 December 2025 under the patronage of Attorney at Law Mrs. Nilmini Neeta Samaratunga, covering the police divisions of Ridimaliyadda, Arawa, and Kandaketiya. During this initiative, arrangements were made to distribute dry rations, drinking water, essential household items, and a collection of school textbooks and educational equipment to 555 schoolchildren residing in several designated safe centers.  The “Professor Nandadasa Kodagoda Memorial Trust”, led by President’s Counsel Mr. Yasantha Kodagoda, extended generous support to ensure the successful fulfillment of this humanitarian mission. The program was carried out with the participation and support of Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Badulla District, Mr. Laksiri Wijesena; Senior Superintendent of Police for the Badulla Division, Mr. Jagath Rohana; Officer-in-Charge of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Women Chief Inspector Mrs. Padmini Jayaweera; Officer-in-Charge of Kandaketiya Police, Inspector of Police Mr. Deepal Jayathunga; Officer-in-Charge of Arawa Police, Inspector of Police Mr. Saman Kumara along with officers from the Police Seva Vanitha Unit and the Kandaketiya and Arawa Police Stations.

Lakvindu Preschool, a commendable pre-school open to the public, successfully held its 2025 Annual Concert on the morning of 12 December 2025 at the Borella Gotami Mawatha Community Hall. Lakvindu Preschool is operated free of charge by the Community Police Division for children who grow up without proper parental care or who are unable to access early childhood development centres with adequate facilities. The event was held in a colourful and grand manner, showcasing the talents and enthusiasm of the young children. Established in 2009 as a community service initiative, Lakvindu Preschool is staffed by four qualified officers from the Community Police Division, including Women Police Inspector Deepika Niladhari, who are dedicated to teaching and caring for the children. Providing education and guidance to children, regardless of the environment in which they grow up, is an investment in the hopeful future of the motherland. In support of this valuable community service, the Police Family Welfare Association, the Junior Police Officers Association, and the Police Buddhist Association continuously provide clothing, as well as daily breakfast and lunch, free of charge to the children attending Lakvindu Preschool. The parents and guardians of the children have expressed their appreciation for this meaningful service. With the collective support of these organizations, it was a joyful occasion to witness this year’s group of 35 children presenting an entertaining and memorable variety show, providing them with a new and enriching experience at the end of the year. The programme was conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police of the Community Police and Environmental Protection Division, R.A.R.N. Rajapaksa. The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Deputy Director of the Community Police Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police A.S.S.A. Jayathilaka; Officer-in-Charge of the Community Police Division, Chief Inspector Manoj Samarasekara; Officer-in-Charge of the Project Division, Chief Inspector Suminda Rajapaksa; along with other invitees. During the event, prizes and gifts were distributed among the children. The Director of the Community Police Division, Senior Superintendent of Police D.K. Priyantha, presided over the programme and extended financial assistance. Additional financial support was provided by the Bank of Ceylon, and two women police officers from the same staff also participated in the event. Lakvindu Preschool, located at the Borella Gotami Mawatha Community Hall, is open five days a week and admits pre-school-aged children from any area who are not receiving proper care or have limited access to facilities, upon recommendation from the respective Grama Niladhari.