Special Events

Demonstrating true camaraderie, it is a commendable virtue to remember and support fellow officers in times of hardship, even while serving beyond national borders in the cause of peace. Financial contributions collected by Sri Lankan police officers deployed on United Nations peacekeeping duties in Sudan, for the benefit of their colleagues whose homes were damaged by the recent Cyclone “Ditwa,” were officially handed over at the Police Headquarters today. At the ceremony, presided over by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, the relief funds were distributed among the affected officers. This heartfelt gesture of compassion and unity, extended from distant Sudan to their fellow officers, was widely appreciated and warmly commended by all present.

The newly established Research Center, constructed in accordance with the provisions of the National Police Training Institute Act No. 44 of 2011, fulfills a long-standing requirement of the institution and was ceremonially declared open today (April 9, 2026). The inauguration ceremony, held under the patronage of the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province, Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte, was attended by Retired DIG Rohan Abeywardena, a panel of experts including university academics, as well as numerous senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police. Notably, the inauguration of this center coincides with the International Research Conference in line with the 160th Police Day of the Sri Lanka Police Service. The key anticipated benefits include: * The introduction of advanced scientific research methodologies within the police service * The enhancement of officers’ analytical and investigative capabilities in accordance with international standards * The generation of new knowledge in fields such as criminology and community policing through collaboration with universities and external specialists “The establishment of this research center represents a significant step towards transforming the Sri Lanka Police Service into a knowledge-driven, professional institution aligned with global standards.” This milestone will undoubtedly contribute greatly to the future progress of the National Police Training Institute and the overall qualitative advancement of the Sri Lanka Police.

The newly appointed Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Department, Rear Admiral Mr. Rohan Joseph, paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, at Police Headquarters on 07.04.2026. During the meeting, the IGP commended the vital role played by the Coast Guard Department in ensuring a secure and peaceful maritime zone through the protection of marine resources and the preservation of the marine environment around the island. Discussions were also held on further strengthening the existing cooperation between the two institutions in combating illegal activities along the coastline.

The Police Cadet Service, which was established on July 4, 1972, with the objective of nurturing disciplined and well-rounded citizens within society, continues to function within the national school system and remains highly popular. With a renewed focus on initiatives that promote the balanced development of children’s skills, positive attitudes, and creativity, the Sri Lanka Police has taken steps to introduce a similar programe. In line with this objective, a special discussion on the establishment of a Police Scout Unit was convened at Police Headquarters on the evening of April 6, 2026, under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, Mr. Ransiri Perera; the Chief Scout Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, Mr. Manoj Nanayakkara; the Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of Administration, Mr. Sanjeewa Dharmarath ne; the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province, Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte; the Senior DIG in charge of Support Services, Mr. Rajitha Sri Daminda; and the Senior DIG in charge of Training and Advanced Training, Mr. Sampath Kumara Liyanage, along with other senior police officers whose participation is essential for the establishment and effective operation of the Police Scout Service.

Among them, 225 apprentice Police Constables and 55 apprentice Police Constable Drivers successfully completed nearly eight months of basic training at the Kalutara Police Vidya Mawatha Training School. Having pledged to uphold an environment where the public can live peacefully, free from fear and suspicion, and to dedicate themselves to serving the community in their day-to-day needs, they were proudly assigned to their respective police stations today, 03.04.2025. The passing-out parade was held this evening at the Aluvihara Grounds of the Kalutara Police College under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala. The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, and the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The parade, comprising 10 platoons of 280 police constables and constable drivers, was commanded by the Chief Parade Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Ruchira Karunanayake, representing the Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Division. The Second-in-Command of the parade was the Officer-in-Charge of the Elpitiya Police Station, Mr. Milan Osanda. Following the parade, awards and certificates were presented by the Honorable Minister and the Inspector General of Police to officers who demonstrated exceptional performance during their training under five categories: Most Outstanding Police Constable – 107968 A.M. Drahudha Viswanath SeneviratneMost Outstanding Apprentice Constable Driver – 108106 A.M. Gayan Maduranga HerathBest Probationary Officer in Law – 107985 R.M.D.S. SenaratneBest Shooter – Probationary Police Constable 108087 W.I.S. BandaraBest Driver – 108104 R.M.S.T.D. Lanka The ceremony commenced with the welcome address delivered by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment and Training), Mr. Jagath Seram. Distinguished guests including Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration) Mr. Sanjeewa Dharmarathne, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Province) Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte, and Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Training and Advanced Training) Mr. Sampath Kumara Liyanage, along with other senior police officers, legal professionals, and government officials, graced the occasion. They also warmly welcomed the families and well-wishers of the trainee officers. In their keynote addresses, Minister Ananda Wijepala and Inspector General of Police Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya extended their congratulations to the newly appointed officers. They emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and dedication, encouraging the officers to serve the public with honesty and commitment as members of the distinguished police service. The ceremony concluded with a vibrant display of performances by the Police Special Task Force, the Police Western Band, the Police Canine Unit, and the talented teams of the Police Academy, adding color, dignity, and entertainment to the occasion through music, drills, and cultural performances. All arrangements for the event were successfully carried out under the direction and leadership of the Director of the Police Academy, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Dushantha Ruwan Thalagala. The Police Media Division, Police Information Technology Division, Crime Reports Division, and Police Communication Division collaboratively ensured that the entire ceremony was broadcast live from start to finish via the official Sri Lanka Police Facebook page.

The Sri Lanka Police was honoured with the award for the Best State Institution at the LankaPay Technnovation – 2026 Awards Ceremony, in recognition of its exemplary contribution to implementing the online payment system for traffic fines through GovPay. LankaPay, the organization responsible for developing and operating the innovative national digital payment network (GovPay) under the guidance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, organized the LankaPay Technnovation – 2026 Awards Ceremony to acknowledge institutions dedicated to advancing the nation towards a digitally transformed future by delivering efficient and citizen-centric services. The event was held on the evening of 25 March 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel Complex in Colombo. During the ceremony, the Sri Lanka Police received the award for its outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality digital payment services (GovPay) to the public. Special recognition was extended to the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya; Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of Crime and Traffic, Ranmal Kodithuwakku; Deputy Inspector General in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera; and the Officer-in-Charge of the Police Information Technology Division, Chief Inspector Lakmal, for their significant contributions towards introducing and promoting the digital payment system, thereby enhancing public convenience. The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including the Honorable Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne; the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe; and the President’s Principal Advisor on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya. The event also saw the participation of heads of several leading private institutions in the country, recognized for their excellence in adopting digital solutions.

In conjunction with Police Heroes’ Day, observed on March 21 in remembrance of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, the Sri Lanka Police, with the participation of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, conducted a morning offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic enshrined at the Kandy Dalada Maligawa. The event was attended by the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Central Province, Mr. Lalith Pathinayake, along with senior officers from the Kandy and Matale Police Divisions, as well as family members of fallen officers. During this solemn and respectful observance, the IGP placed police division flags before the Sacred Tooth Relic and invoked blessings for all members of the police force.

The 162nd Police Heroes’ Day Commemoration was solemnly held on the morning of 21 March 2026 under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The ceremony was conducted with dignity and reverence, in remembrance of the brave police personnel of the Sri Lanka Police who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty throughout the nation’s history. Amidst a ceremonial guard of honour comprising police officers and Police Special Task Force personnel, the IGP, together with the family members of the fallen heroes, paid floral tributes at the War Heroes’ Memorial located at the Police Field Force Headquarters. Addressing the gathering, the IGP stated that he would honour and remember the fallen police officers “each day at sunrise and sunset,” and affirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of their families. According to official records, beginning from the sacrifice of Police Constable Sabahan, who lost his life while executing orders to apprehend Saradiel in Utuwankande under the direction of Kegalle District Attorney E. R. Saunders—to the present day, a total of 5,789 police officers have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Among them are seven female officers. Additionally, 464 officers of the Police Special Task Force have made the ultimate sacrifice, while 1,633 police personnel have sustained disabilities in the course of their service. During the 30-year North-Eastern conflict, 2,598 officers sacrificed their lives in the interest of national peace and security, and 1,575 others were left permanently disabled. The first female police officer to be martyred in the history of the Sri Lanka Police was Officer Ms. Yashomaneke, who lost her life while performing her duties in Kandy on 16 July 1989. At this year’s commemoration, the Commander of the Police Field Force Headquarters, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Hemal Prashantha, served as the Chief Commander of the Guard of Honour. A large number of senior police officers, including Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police, were also present to pay homage at the War Heroes’ Memorial and to mark the occasion with due respect and solemnity.

On September 3, 1866, the Sri Lanka Police was formally established under constitutional provisions by its first Inspector General of Police, G. W. R. Campbell, a British national. Prior to this formal establishment, the foundations of policing in the country evolved gradually. During the Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka, a district officer was appointed to administer the Colombo area. This was followed by the appointment of a police constable in 1806, and in 1815, the designation “police peon” was officially changed to “police constable,” marking a progressive development in law enforcement duties. In 1832, the Police Ordinance No. 03 of 1832 was enacted by a committee appointed by Sir Robert Wilmot Horton. At that time, approximately 1,430 officers served as a police force under the leadership of a Superintendent of Police. The Sri Lanka Police commemorates Police Heroes’ Day annually on March 21st. This date marks the sacrifice of Police Constable Sahan, who, while carrying out orders issued by Kegalle District Attorney E. R. Saunders to apprehend Utuwankanda Saradiel—a figure resisting colonial rule—lost his life during a confrontation. One of the earliest memorials dedicated to a fallen police officer in Sri Lanka is located at the Utuwankanda Junction, where a monument stands in tribute to an officer who died in the line of duty. Accordingly, today (21), we solemnly observe the 162nd Police Heroes’ Day, paying tribute to the courageous officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. This includes those who laid down their lives during the nearly three-decade-long Sri Lankan Civil War, as well as those who perished in the line of duty while confronting threats to public peace, law, and national security. Statement by Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Fredrick Wootler