Notable Services

A mobile laboratory service aimed at identifying drivers and bus conductors operating under the influence of drugs was officially launched on 21 January 2026 at the private bus terminal on Bastion Mawatha, Colombo. The mobile laboratory is currently capable of detecting four types of drugs consumed within the past 14 days, with test results available within minutes. Based on these findings, strict legal action is expected to be taken against drivers who test positive, including court proceedings and the suspension or revocation of driving licences, in order to ensure passenger safety. On the day of the launch, 59 long-distance and short-distance bus drivers were referred for testing by the Traffic Headquarters. Of these, 10 drivers were identified as having used drugs. Reports indicate that eight drivers had consumed cannabis, while two tested positive for heroin and ice. The testing programme is being jointly conducted by the National Transport Commission (NTC), the National Institute of Transport Medicine (NITM), and the Sri Lanka Police. Authorities have stated that similar inspections are planned to be expanded across the island in the future. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic and Road Safety Division) Mr. D. P. J. Senadheera, representing the Sri Lanka Police; Professor U. C. P. Perera, Chairman of the National Institute of Transport Medicine; Dr. Nilan Miranda, Director General of the National Transport Commission; along with bus drivers and conductors operating along Bastion Road.

The Police Seva Vanitha Unit remains committed to extending essential assistance to underprivileged citizens who have been directly and indirectly affected by the natural disasters caused by Cyclone “Ditwa,” with the aim of helping them restore their normal daily lives. As part of this island-wide humanitarian initiative, another phase of the relief programme was successfully carried out on 17.01.2026 at the Amman Kovil premises in Kanakumbikulam village within the Kilinochchi Police Division. The event was held under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and the Chairperson of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Attorney-at-Law Mrs. Nilmini Neeta Samaratunga. During the programme, 200 relief parcels containing dry rations and essential household items were distributed among affected families. In addition, residents were given the opportunity to collectively present their concerns and challenges to senior police officers of the division. All material donations for this relief effort were generously contributed by Sri Lankans residing in the State of Dubai, under the leadership of Mr. Prasanna Kumara, Proprietor of Nirmana Cargo (Pvt) Ltd, demonstrating their confidence and continued support for the Police Seva Vanitha Unit. The programme was attended by Kilinochchi District Secretary Mr. Subramaniam Muralitharan; Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Northern Province, Mr. Buddhika Siriwardena; Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Kilinochchi District, Mr. Chandrasena; Senior Superintendent of Police for the Kilinochchi Division, Mr. Angammana; other senior officers of the area; Officer-in-Charge of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Women Chief Inspector Ms. Padmini Jayaweera; Superintendent of Nirmana Cargo, Mr. Prasanna Kumara; and officers of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit.

As a result of the destruction caused by Cyclone “Ditwa,” many underprivileged families residing in several parts of the island continue to face severe hardships and live with limited basic facilities. In response, another phase of the island-wide humanitarian programme initiated by the Police Seva Vanitha Unit to identify and assist such vulnerable communities was successfully conducted on 15.01.2026 in the Silawathura area of the Mannar Police Division. The event was held under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and the Chairperson of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Attorney-at-Law Mrs. Nilmini Neeta Samarathunga. During the programme, 150 relief parcels containing dry rations and essential household items were distributed among affected families. The residents were also provided an opportunity to collectively present their concerns and grievances to senior police officers of the division. All donations for this relief effort were generously contributed by Sri Lankans residing in the State of Dubai, under the leadership of Mr. Prasanna Kumara, Proprietor of Nirmana Cargo (Pvt) Ltd, in appreciation of and confidence placed in the Police Seva Vanitha Unit. The event was attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Wanni District, Mr. Indika Hapugo; the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Mannar Division, Mr. Eric Sanjith; the Officer-in-Charge of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit, Ms. Padmini Jayaweera; Chief Inspector of Police Mr. Prasanna Kumara; along with officers of the Police Seva Vanitha Unit.

The Ministry of Digital Economy, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and LankaPay have jointly launched the Gov Pay online payment system to enable the convenient payment of traffic fines in the Sabaragamuwa Province. An awareness program held in conjunction with the launch took place on the morning of 16.01.2026 at the Ratnapura District Secretariat, under the patronage of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic and Road Safety, W.P.J. Senadheera. ICTA Project Manager Udari Withanage and LankaPay Project Manager Malan Mendis participated in the program, providing officers with the required technical guidance on the use of the online fine payment system and educating them on public awareness aspects. The keynote address was delivered by DIG W.P.J. Senadheera. Senior police officers, including DIG in charge of the Ratnapura District Renuka Jayasundara, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Ratnapura Division P.M. Jayaratne, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Embilipitiya Division Thusitha Kumara, along with approximately 60 traffic officers from the Ratnapura and Embilipitiya Divisions, attended the awareness session. During the event, modern smartphones were symbolically handed over to traffic officers to facilitate the implementation of the online fine payment system. With the introduction of Gov Pay, motorists can now obtain guidance from police officers in the Ratnapura and Embilipitiya Divisions to settle traffic fines through the Gov Pay platform. Upon completion of the online payment, the driving licence can be released immediately. If required, payments may also be made at a later time by following the instructions available at the Gov Pay website.

Press conference – part 1 Press conference – Part 2

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Sri Lanka Police wish to inform the general public that a message currently circulating on social media and messaging platforms, titled as a “Police Notice” and containing a list of safety instructions, has NOT been issued by Sri Lanka Police. The contents, wording, and directives in that message are unauthorised and misleading, and the public is advised not to treat it as an official police communication. However Sri Lanka Police remain fully committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens across the country.  * The public is urged to verify information before sharing messages, especially  those claiming to be from government institutions. * Official police announcements are released only through verified channels,  including:  * Sri Lanka Police official website * Press Releases by Police Media Division  * Verified Sri Lanka Police social media accounts * Recognised media outlets Spreading unverified or false information can cause unnecessary fear and may disrupt public order. Sri Lanka Police will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure public safety and request the cooperation of the public in maintaining peace, harmony, and lawful conduct throughout the country. For accurate and up-to-date information, please rely only on official Sri Lanka Police communications.

A special joint operations and public assistance centre has been established opposite the Presidential Secretariat to ensure public convenience and safety during the festive season. This dedicated centre has been set up in response to the large crowds visiting the Galle Face Green and Port City areas in Colombo during the festive period. Located opposite the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo Fort, the center operates under the leadership of the Sri Lanka Police, with the full cooperation and support of the Tri-Forces. The facility functions 24 hours a day, enabling the public to obtain necessary security-related assistance at any time. In addition, the centre provides clean drinking water and essential emergency medical services, ensuring prompt care in case of unforeseen situations. In the event of an emergency, members of the public may seek assistance by visiting the centre in person or by contacting the following telephone numbers: Centre Hotline: 071-859 5880Fort Police Station – Senator: 071-859 1560 The primary objective of this initiative is to create a safe, secure, and welcoming environment, allowing the public to celebrate and enjoy the festive season with confidence and peace of mind.

A special traffic and security plan will be implemented in Colombo City and the Galle Face area in view of the New Year celebrations scheduled for 31 December 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Police. Police anticipate a large influx of people and vehicles into Colombo, particularly to the Galle Face Green area, from suburban and outstation locations to welcome the New Year 2026. In order to reduce possible traffic congestion and ensure the safety of the public, comprehensive traffic management and security measures have been arranged. Heavy traffic congestion is expected in the Fort, Pettah, Company Street, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Kurunduwatte Police Divisions. Traffic in these areas will function as usual on 31 December 2025; however, if severe congestion arises, the following traffic diversions and regulations will be enforced as required. Proposed Traffic Arrangements Vehicles exiting Colombo via Galle Face Middle Road will be diverted from the NSA Roundabout along Galle Face Middle Road, turning left at Baladaksha Mawatha Junction (MOD Junction), proceeding through Baladaksha Mawatha, Aliya Nana Roundabout, Markan Marker Mawatha, and then towards Kollupitiya via the Galle Face Roundabout. Vehicles entering Colombo from Galle Face Middle Road will be permitted to proceed from the Galle Face Roundabout to Baladaksha Mawatha Junction and onwards. Travel from Galle Face Roundabout to Aliya Nana Roundabout via Markan Marker Mawatha, and from Aliya Nana Roundabout to Galle Face Middle Road via Baladaksha Mawatha, will be restricted. Vehicles entering from the by-roads of Baladaksha Mawatha will be allowed to turn right and exit Colombo through the Aliya Nana Roundabout, while vehicles entering Galle Face Middle Road from by-roads must turn right and proceed towards the NSA Roundabout. Police further stated that, during the implementation of this traffic plan, parking will be strictly prohibited on pavements and main roads within Colombo City. Legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic regulations. Approximately 1,200 police officers will be deployed to carry out traffic control and security duties during the New Year celebrations. Parking Facilities for the Public Parking facilities have been arranged to accommodate approximately 5,900 vehicles arriving in Colombo. The following locations will be available free of charge, including designated roadside parking areas where no traffic obstruction is caused: Baladaksha Mawatha, Fort Police Division – MOD Car Park (towards Beira Lake) Coastal Roads in Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, and Wellawatte D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha (Fort and Maradana Police Divisions) Parsons Road Exit Lane (Company Street Police Division – limited area) Galle Road, Wellawatte (from Savoy area to Bagathale Road Junction – designated bays only) Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Kurunduwatte Police Division – left entry lane from Nelum Pokuna Roundabout to Library Roundabout) F.R. Senanayake Mawatha, Kurunduwatte Police Division Reid Mawatha (right side, from Reid Rajakariya Junction to Thurstan Junction) Independence Avenue (right side from Independence Circle to Independence Square) Maitland Place, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division Foundation Institute Road, Cinnamon Gardens Police Division The following paid parking facilities will also be available: Old Manning Commercial Complex Parking Lot, Bastion Mawatha (Pettah Police Division) Wimaladharmasuriya Clock Tower Parking Area (Fort Police Division) Hemas Parking Lot, Razik Fareed Mawatha (Fort Police Division) Lake House Car Park, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha Leyden Bastion Mawatha (Fort Police Division) Bristol Street and Duke Street (Fort Police Division) Access Tower Car Park, Union Place–Dawson Street Junction (Company Street Police Division) St. Clement’s Car Park near Gamini Roundabout (Maradana Police Division) Police stated that four traffic route maps relevant to the above arrangements have been issued and requested the media and the public to give wide publicity to this information to minimize inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.

The Sri Lanka Police Ranking Tournament, organized annually by the Sri Lanka Police Tennis Association in association with the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, was held at the Police Tennis Grounds in Colombo on 19, 20, 21 December 2025. Children aged 12-16 years representing all provinces of the island were given the opportunity to participate in it, and competitions were held for both men and women. According to the performances of this tournament, which was held for the 07th time, the Under-12 champion was Mathisha Fernando. Sethiya Silva was the runner-up. Senuli Thimansa Wickramaratne won the Under-12 Girls Championship, while Naduli Kurakulasuriya was the runner-up in the same age group. The Under-16 Boys Championship was won by Yonal Dankumbura. The Runner-up was Aken Manoharan. The Under-16 Girls Championship was won by Yoneli Senadheera.