Author name: Hashini

The National Drug Prevention Initiative “Ratama Ekata,” launched under the theme “Evacuate,” commenced on 30 October 2025 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo under the leadership of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Following the successful inaugural Public Safety Committee meetings held in the Southern and Northern Provinces, the programme has continued to expand its outreach, bringing its message directly to communities across the country. A special meeting aimed at raising awareness among the Public Safety Committees of the Nuwara Eliya District in the Central Province was held on 11 February 2026 at the Gregory Lake premises in Nuwara Eliya under the patronage of the President. Addressing the gathering, the President emphasized that the national campaign to eradicate the drug menace launched to safeguard the nation’s youth would be implemented with unwavering determination. He noted that the drug threat affects all citizens indiscriminately, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or geographical location, impacting urban and rural communities alike. He further urged the public to extend their fullest cooperation to the Sri Lanka Police in ensuring the success of this initiative. During the event, police officers, tri-service personnel, and informants from the Central Province who made significant contributions toward safeguarding lives and property through exemplary service were honoured. Cash awards and gifts valued at Rs. 6 million were presented from the Police Reward Fund in the presence of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. Among the notable operations and acts of bravery recognized were: The arrest of suspects in possession of a T-56 assault rifle and two pistols by officers of the Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division in the Nuwara Eliya Division on 23 June 2023. The rescue of a young woman who attempted to take her own life by jumping into the Mahaweli River by Police Constable 103984 I.H.M.T.N. Herath of the Katugastota Police Station on 10 April 2025. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Ananda Wijepala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security (Retired) Air Vice Marshal Mr. Sampath Thuiyakontha; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security (Retired) Senior DIG Mr. Ravi Seneviratne; Senior DIG Mr. Lalith Pathinayake of the Central Province; senior government officials of the Nuwara Eliya District; police and tri-service officers; and residents of the area.

The appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya as the Acting President of the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association took place on June 19, 2025, at the Police Headquarters. This appointment was made by the Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association. Coinciding with this occasion, the first day cover, commemorative coin, commemorative gift, and medal issued for the 50th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association were also presented to the Acting Inspector General of Police. The event was attended by the Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association, Woman Chief Police Inspector Sunethra Senavirathna, Vice Presidents (Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nuwan Wedasingha, Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Gamini Karunathilaka, and Retired Superintendent of Police Norton de Silva), and a group of senior police officers.