Tharindu Withanage – Page 7 – SRI LANKA POLICE

Author name: Tharindu Withanage

Special Events

191.673 kg of Narcotics and 3,482 Tablets Destroyed

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A stock of 40.539 kg of heroin, 132.79 kg of ketamine, 55 g of cocaine, and 3,482 narcotic tablets, which had been seized during raids conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau and whose related court cases had been concluded, was transported from the Colombo High Court to the Wanathavilluwa area in Puttalam on the morning of 13.03.2026 for destruction by incineration. In addition to this consignment, 19 kg of heroin related to concluded cases from the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court, along with case exhibits from nearly 1,500 cases stored at the Government Analyst’s Department, were also scheduled to be destroyed on the same day. The narcotics were transported to the incinerator facility located in the Lactowatta area of Wanathavilluwa at around 09.00 a.m., under special security provided by the Police Special Task Force. The drugs were subsequently incinerated and destroyed in the presence of Honourable Magistrates, officials from the Government Analyst’s Department, officers of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, and members of the Sri Lanka Police.

Special Events

Iftar Ceremony for Islamic Officers

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In conjunction with Ramadan 2026, an Iftar ceremony organized by the Police Buddhist and Religious Affairs Association for Islamic officers serving in the Sri Lanka Police was held on the evening of 12.03.2026 at the Marino Beach Banquet Hall in Kollupitiya. The event was attended by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Retired Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne, and the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, along with many other distinguished guests. Approximately 400 Islamic police officers representing police divisions from across the island also participated in the ceremony. The event was organized to promote unity, mutual respect, and religious harmony within the Sri Lanka Police.

Police News

Police Media Spokesperson ASP Mr. Fredrick Wootler Receives The Third Award for Outstanding Services To The Media Sector

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The Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Fredrick Wootler (LLB, UK Hons), received the VISHWA ABHIMANYA People’s Award for the third time in recognition of his exceptional service to the Media sector at the SLIBA 2026 – Sri Lanka International Business Awards ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall on the evening of 12 March 2026. His first recognition was the Public Communication Award presented at the People’s Excellency Awards 2025, held at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla, on 29 December 2025. His second accolade was the Pride of the Nation Award, presented at the Pride of the Nation Awards 2026 ceremony held at the Foundation Institute, Colombo 07, on the evening of 02 February 2026. This award honored individuals who rendered outstanding social service to the nation during the year 2025. Serving as the Director of the Police Media Division and functioning as the Police Media Spokesperson, he has played a key role in keeping the public informed by issuing media statements in all three languages Sinhala, Tamil, and English. He has also undertaken commendable media initiatives, including disseminating important information, providing guidance and public advisories, and communicating directly with the public through Sri Lanka Police social media platforms, including the official Facebook page and the official police website. Furthermore, the Police Media Division has expanded beyond traditional media practices by adopting modern digital communication strategies to bring information closer to the public. Several innovative concepts were introduced, including a series of digital audio-visual program released in episodic format through the official social media platforms of the Sri Lanka Police. These programs, including PODCASTS accessible via the internet at any time, received significant public appreciation. In addition, Mr. Wootler has earned considerable social recognition through his voluntary work as an external consultant, conducting awareness programs and workshops for students and various institutions. These contributions, together with the distinction he has brought to the Sri Lanka Police, have been key factors in him receiving the Sri Lanka International Business Awards 2026.

Notable Services

“Suwanari Medical Clinic” Organized in the Kurunegala Division in Commemoration of International Women’s Day

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The “Suwanari Medical Clinic,” organized by the Police Seva Vanitha Unit for pregnant female officers serving in the Kurunegala Police Division, was successfully conducted on the morning of 10 March 2026. The programme was held under the patronage of the Chairperson of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Attorney-at-Law Mrs. Nilmini Nita Samaratunga, at the Weheraranandeniya Hall located within the premises of the Kurunegala Police Division headquarters. This initiative was implemented in line with a concept proposed by the Chairperson of the Health Committee of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Dr. Thushari Jayalath. Medical professionals including doctors, nurses, and staff of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, together with representatives from several private medical institutions, extended their valuable support and contribution to this programme organized in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026. During the clinic, a special health camp was conducted for female police officers over the age of 40 serving in the Kurunegala Division. The programme also included awareness sessions aimed at enhancing both mental and physical well-being, medical screenings for non-communicable diseases, general health examinations, and vision testing. In addition, gifts were presented to pregnant officers attending the clinic. The event was attended by Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the North Western Province, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Ajith Rohana; Secretary of the Housing Committee of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Ms. Sunethra Weerakkody; Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Kurunegala Division, Mr. Tissa Withanage; Assistant Superintendent of Police (District IV), Ms. Nilmini Chandraratne; Officer-in-Charge of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Ms. Padmini Jayaweera; as well as several other police officers of the division who participated in support of this initiative.

Special Events

New Building Inaugurated for “Navadigantaya” Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre

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The newly constructed residential building of “Navadigantaya” Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, operated in the Urapola area of Nittambuwa under the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, was ceremonially opened on 10.03.2026 under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, with the participation of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya. This building has been constructed under the provisions of the “Clean Sri Lanka” National Project, implemented as part of the “Rich Country – Beautiful Life” National Programme. The construction of the facility was completed with the technical expertise and labour contribution of the Sri Lanka Navy from its initial stages. With the addition of this new building, the centre is now able to provide residential accommodation for a larger number of individuals seeking rehabilitation services at “Navadigantaya”, either voluntarily or accompanied by their guardians. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Mohamed Munir Mulafar, Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Sajeewa Medawatte, as well as officials of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board. The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, whose primary mandate is to provide treatment and rehabilitation for individuals affected by drug addiction, currently operates similar rehabilitation centres in Thalangama in the Colombo District, Peradeniya in the Kandy District, and Unawatuna in the Galle District. Accordingly, individuals suffering from drug addiction are encouraged to seek assistance voluntarily by visiting the nearest treatment and rehabilitation centre.

Notable Services

Obtaining Police Clearance Certificates

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The Sri Lanka Police has provided the facility to obtain Police Clearance Certificates through its official website. Applicants can visit www.police.lk , select the E-Services section, choose Clearance Certificates, and submit the relevant application online. A Sri Lankan citizen residing overseas is required to pay a fee of Rs. 5,100/- (five thousand one hundred) to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate issued by the Sri Lanka Police. Once the payment receipt is received, the certificate will generally be issued within 14 days. If the applicant is a law-abiding individual with no involvement in unlawful or criminal activities, the Police Clearance Certificate can be issued without delay. However, if police records indicate that the applicant has been involved in illegal or criminal activities, an adverse clearance report will be issued accordingly. Individuals living abroad often request Police Clearance Certificates for purposes such as visa extensions, extension of employment contracts, or other official requirements. There are two primary methods for submitting  applications: Online application system Submitting the application through the Sri Lankan Embassy or High Commission located in the respective foreign country When applying through either of the above methods, it is essential to provide the relevant police division, contact telephone number, and email address. Local applicants also request Police Clearance Certificates for various purposes, including educational requirements, business registration, and membership in organizations or companies. For this purpose, the applicant may submit the clearance certificate request to the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the police station in the area of residence,  together with the following documents: A certificate from the Grama Niladhari confirming the place of residenceThe National Identity Card (NIC) or foreign passport Following the necessary inquiries and verification, the OIC will issue the Police Clearance Certificate within 48 hours. Applicants must ensure that accurate and complete information is provided when submitting the application. If incorrect or incomplete details are provided, the processing of the certificate may be delayed. In addition, if there are pending court cases, applicants must clearly indicate this in the application. It is also mandatory to state whether the applicant has been deported from any foreign country and whether the applicant is a member of the Tri-Forces or a police officer. If any amendment is required after submitting the application for a clearance certificate, applicants may contact the Police Clearance Division of the Sri Lanka Police within 72 hours of submitting the request through the following telephone numbers. Contact Numbers: 071 8592990 (WhatsApp)011 2439185 / 011 2439186 / 011 2122800 press conference 1 press conference 2 press conference 3

Special Events

12-Day AFP Workshop on People Smuggling and Human Trafficking Investigations

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A training workshop organized by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to enhance the knowledge and investigative skills of security personnel in relation to people smuggling and human trafficking investigations commenced on the morning of 09.03.2026 at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. Officers representing the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Navy, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Coast Guard are participating in this program. The workshop is scheduled to continue for a period of 12 days, concluding on 20.03.2026.

Police News

Sri Lanka Police Win Overall Championship at the 2025 Public Service Volleyball Tournament

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The Sri Lanka Police secured the overall championship of the 2025 Public Service Volleyball Tournament, held on 25 February 2026 at the Nittambuwa Wathupitiwala Indoor Stadium. By winning four championships and finishing as runners-up in two categories, the Police teams claimed the overall title. The championship victories were achieved in the following categories: Amateur Women, Amateur Men, Open Women, and Open Men. The runners-up positions were secured in the Over 40s (Men) and Over 50s (Men) categories. Outstanding individual performances included Sub-Inspector of Police A.D.W. Mendis, named Best Player in the Amateur Women’s category; Police Sergeant 6105 Viraj, Best Player in the Open Women’s category; and Police Constable 103861 P.R.V. Hashan, Best Player in the Open Men’s category. The police teams featured several senior officers with advanced volleyball skills, including Senior DIG Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte, President of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Association, who competed in the Over 50s (Men) division. The Civil Defence Force finished in second place, while the Prisons Department secured third place.

Police News

Suspect Wanted in Connection with the Thalangama Double Murder on 13.02.2026, for Whom Public Assistance Was Sought, Arrested

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Based on information received regarding three suspicious individuals in an abandoned house in the Tangwatta area of Monaragala, officers of the Monaragala Police Headquarters conducted a raid on the night of 24 February 2026. The three suspects were apprehended and interrogated, during which it was revealed that one of them was the second gunman involved in the fatal shooting of a lawyer and his wife in the Akuregoda area on 13 February 2026. Investigators had noted that the description of the second shooter, previously circulated by the media for public assistance, closely matched that of one of the arrested suspects. Officers from the Western Province Southern District Crime Division, which is leading the investigation, traveled to the Monaragala Police Station, formally took the three suspects into custody, and transferred them to the division. The suspects are currently being held for 72 hours under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, while further investigations are ongoing. Among the three, a 39-year-old resident of Diddeniya has been identified during questioning related to a forged passport created using his likeness as the suspected gunman in the Akuregoda double murder. Accordingly, the investigation is now focusing on the two other alleged shooters who committed the crime alongside the individual arrested previously in the Ambalangoda Police Division on 21 February 2026, as well as the two suspects apprehended in Monaragala for aiding and abetting the crime. All individuals remain in custody for further inquiries.

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