Special Events

The 2026 Inter-Police Division Dowbiggin Challenge Cup Boxing Tournament, held at the Kalutara Police College from 23 July 2026 to 25 July 2026, concluded successfully on the evening of 25 July 2026 with great enthusiasm and grandeur. It is noteworthy that this prestigious tournament was held after a lapse of nine years, having last been conducted in 2017. The tournament was organized under the comprehensive supervision and guidance of the President of the Police Boxing Association and Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Recruitment and Training Directorate, Mr. Jagath Seram. The opening ceremony was held on 23 July 2026 under the patronage of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Sampath Kumara Liyanage, in charge of Training, Advanced Training and the Police Special Bureau. The closing ceremony, including the presentation of trophies, prizes, and certificates, was held on the evening of 25 July 2026 under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The event also featured several exciting exhibition boxing matches conducted by outstanding members of the Sri Lanka Police Boxing Team. Following the ceremony, the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Sampath Kumara Liyanage, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Jagath Seram, and President of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association Mr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara presented trophies, awards, and certificates to the winners. Despite numerous challenges, the Police Special Task Force (STF) secured the championship title in the Men’s Category of the 2026 Dowbiggin Challenge Cup Tournament and was awarded the championship trophy. The Kalutara Police Division emerged as the champions in the Women’s Category. The Police College Division secured both the Men’s Runner-up and Women’s Runner-up trophies. Special Awards for Outstanding Athletes Best Athlete (Men): Police Constable 105843 Mr. H.D.S.D. Pathirana (Police Special Task Force) Best Athlete (Women): Woman Police Constable 9667 Ms. J.N.D. Amarasinghe (Kalutara Police Division) Best Emerging Athlete of the Year: Police Constable Mr. Gayan Ratnasiri (Police Training College Division) Best Runner-up Athlete (Men): Police Constable 91741 Mr. S. Sujan (Police Academy Division) Best Runner-up Athlete (Women): Woman Police Constable 9710 Ms. P.D.E. De Zoysa (Police Field Force Headquarters) After the presentation of trophies and awards, the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, addressed the gathering and expressed his appreciation to Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Sampath Kumara Liyanage, DIG Jagath Seram, and all others who contributed to organizing this successful tournament, which highlighted and encouraged the boxing talents of Sri Lankan police officers. Special appreciation was extended to the President of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association Mr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, officials and judges of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association, President of the Sri Lanka Army Boxing Association Major General Mr. Janaka Pallekumbura, Secretary of the Police Boxing Association Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Manoj Perera, Director of the Kalutara Police College Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. D.R. Thalagala, Director of the Police Sports Division Superintendent of Police L. Mr. Chinthaka Perera, and members of the Sri Lanka Police Boxing Team who have achieved national and international recognition. Acknowledgement was also given to the members of the Police Boxing Association, Police Special Task Force, Police Hospital, Police Crime Records Division, Police Sports Division, Police Media Division, Police Communications Division, and Police Cultural Division for their valuable support and cooperation in successfully organizing and concluding this tournament.

The newly constructed air-conditioned lobby of the Police Inspector’s House, operated by the Sri Lanka Police Inspectors’ Association in the Colombo Fort area, and the “Boat Yard” project established at the premises overlooking Beira Lake were officially opened by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, on the morning of 24 July 2026. These development initiatives and modernization efforts were implemented to enhance the welfare facilities available to Police Inspectors and officers of higher ranks, along with their family members, who visit and utilize the Colombo Fort Police Inspector’s House.

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Inter-Police Division Dowbiggin Challenge Cup Boxing Tournament was held on 23.07.2026 at the Kalutara Police College under the patronage of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Training, Advanced Training, and the Police Special Bureau, Attorney-at-Law Sampath Kumara Liyanage. The gathering was welcomed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Jagath Seram, who serves as the Chairman of the Police Boxing Association. Addressing the ceremony, the Senior DIG conveyed his best wishes to the boxers, officials, and members of the judging panel, encouraging them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition throughout the tournament. Among those in attendance were Senior Superintendent of Police D.R. Thalagala, Director of the Kalutara Police College; Superintendent of Police L. Chinthaka Perera, Director of the Police Sports Division; senior and junior police officers; and trainee officers undergoing basic training at the Kalutara Police College, who were present to witness both the opening ceremony and the tournament bouts. The tournament will conclude with the final bouts and the trophy presentation ceremony on 25.07.2026, which is scheduled to be held under the patronage of Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya. If this is intended for publication by the Sri Lanka Police Media Division, this version follows a formal, concise, and professional press-release style.

The 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Police Library Association and the launch of the poetry collection “කාකි ඇඳුමට වැසුනු හදවත” featuring poems written by police officers, were held on the morning of 22 July 2026 at the DIG’s Office Auditorium, Colombo, under the patronage of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Senior Deputy Inspector General Sanjeewa Dharmaratne. The Police Library Association was established in 1873 at Maradana with an initial capital of pounds 50, following the initiative of the first Inspector General of Police, Mr. G. W. R. Campbell. Today, the Sri Lanka Police Library Association comprises 64 libraries across the country. During the ceremony, the poetry collection “Heart Covered in a Khaki Suit” was officially launched. A literary review of the publication was delivered by distinguished author Mahinda Prasad Masimbula, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. In recognition of his contribution to literature, a commemorative plaque was presented to Mahinda Prasad Masimbula. A cash award was also presented to G. D. Peshan Sasindu Nimsara, the son of Police Sergeant G. D. Subhasinghe, who secured first place islandwide in the 2025 G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination in the Biology Stream while representing Horana Central College. The event was attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Police Headquarters District, Mr. W. K. N. De Silva; Deputy Inspector General of Police, Colombo District, mr. Nishantha Zoysa; Commandant of the Police Special Task Force, Deputy Inspector General Mr. Samantha De Silva; President of the Police Library Association and Director, Headquarters Administration, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Chandana Herath; members of the Executive Committee; and representatives of the Association from all provinces.

A further group of police officers who successfully completed advanced lifeguard training to respond effectively to water-related emergencies and save lives has officially passed out. Of the 75 police officers who attended the Lifeguard Intermediate Course conducted by the Police Naval Division from 19.05.2026 to 17.07.2026, a total of 66 officers, including four female police officers, successfully completed the programme and qualified as highly skilled lifeguards. The passing-out ceremony was held at the Narahenpita Police Sports Complex on the morning of 17.07.2026 under the patronage of the Acting Director of the Police Naval Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Gunawardena. Throughout the training programme, participants received comprehensive instruction in a wide range of lifesaving skills, including advanced swimming techniques; continuous long-distance swimming over three kilometres; identifying persons in distress in water; rescuing drowning victims; administering first aid and emergency treatment for snake bites and stings; conducting rescues in rough seas, rivers, and flash floods; executing high-entry water rescues; underwater diving and recovery operations to save lives and property; firefighting and rescue techniques; and safe boat handling and navigation. Practical training sessions were conducted at the Narahenpita Police Water Sports Complex, Mount Lavinia Beach, Port City Beach, the Kelani River, Ibbankatuwa Reservoir in Dambulla, Hikkaduwa Beach, and the Gin River, enabling participants to gain extensive hands-on experience in diverse aquatic environments. Armed with these specialised skills and practical experience, the newly qualified lifeguards will be deployed to safeguard the lives of both local residents and foreign tourists by responding to water-related emergencies at beaches, rivers, reservoirs, and other aquatic locations across the country.

Vice Admiral Mr. Damian Fernando assumed duties as the 27th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy with effect from 01 July 2026. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Navy and held the rank of Rear Admiral. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral by His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and appointed as the new Commander of the Navy. Vice Admiral Mr. Damian Fernando, who recently assumed office as the Commander of the Navy, paid an official visit to Sri Lanka Police Headquarters today. Upon his arrival at Police Headquarters, the Navy Commander was warmly received by the Sri Lanka Police, and a special guard of honour was accorded in his recognition. Following the formal reception, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando held a cordial discussion with the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and senior police officers regarding future security cooperation and related operational matters. To mark this significant occasion, the Inspector General of Police presented a commemorative plaque to Vice Admiral Damian Fernando.

The United Nations Police Division serves as the central coordinating body for United Nations policing and law enforcement affairs. Through its global network, it facilitates the exchange of information, strengthens international cooperation, and plays a vital role in maintaining regional and international peace while addressing emerging security challenges. The Fifth United Nations Police Chiefs Conference (UNCOPS 2026), organized by the United Nations Police Division, was held at the United Nations Headquarters from 7 to 9 July 2026. Representing Sri Lanka at the conference were the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The conference was convened with the objective of enhancing international collaboration in promoting global peace and security through the role and capabilities of the United Nations Police. It also sought to strengthen peacekeeping efforts and support sustainable global development. The event brought together Police Chiefs from numerous United Nations Member States, along with senior representatives of regional and international law enforcement organizations. During the conference, the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, held bilateral discussions with several foreign Police Chiefs to further strengthen international cooperation in maintaining peace and addressing emerging global security challenges. These discussions produced significant outcomes, particularly in expanding opportunities for Sri Lankan police officers to participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions and enhancing international collaboration in locating and repatriating criminal suspects who have fled overseas. The conference also provided valuable insights into how police officers returning to their home countries after serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions can effectively apply the professional skills, operational expertise, and international experience they have acquired to strengthen policing and public security within their respective nations.

Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, paid a courtesy call on Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya, at Police Headquarters on 30 June 2026, where the two officials engaged in a cordial discussion. On the same day, His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake promoted Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda to the rank of Admiral. Marking this significant milestone, the Inspector General of Police extended his warm congratulations to Admiral Banagoda on his well-deserved promotion. During the meeting, the Inspector General of Police and the senior police officers present expressed their appreciation for Admiral Banagoda’s distinguished service as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and acknowledged the valuable cooperation and support extended by the Sri Lanka Navy to the Sri Lanka Police in the discharge of their respective duties. To commemorate the occasion, the Inspector General of Police presented Admiral Kanchana Banagoda with a commemorative plaque as a token of appreciation and goodwill.

To enhance the operational capacity of the Thambuttegama Police Division, several new facilities including an Official Police Kennels Unit, Fingerprint Unit, Police Special Task Force Unit, District Stores Complex, Promotions Unit, and Junior Officers’ Barracks were ceremonially inaugurated on the morning of 28 June 2026 at the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Thambuttegama, under the patronage of Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The establishment of the Official Police Kennels Unit and Fingerprint Unit will significantly strengthen criminal investigations conducted within the police areas under the Thambuttegama Police Division by enabling the use of advanced forensic techniques, scientific investigative methods, and modern technological support. These facilities will enhance the accurate examination of sensitive evidence, facilitate the identification of suspects, strengthen the judicial process, and ultimately improve the quality of service provided to the public. The event was attended by Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (North Central Province), Mr. Tilak C. A. Dhanapala; Deputy Inspector General of Police (Police Special Bureau Division), Mr. Sampath Kumara; Director of the Police Special Bureau, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Nishantha Chandrasekara; Director of the Official Police Dog Unit, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Kanchana Godakumbura; Director of the Crime Records Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Ruwan Kumara; Senior Superintendent of Police in Charge of the Thambuttegama Division, Mr. Chandana Kandewatte; Divisional Secretary of Thambuttegama, Mr. S. K. Somaratne; along with several other senior police officers and personnel attached to the Thambuttegama Police Division.

A total of 209 personnel from the Sri Lanka Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF) are scheduled to depart shortly to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The contingent comprises 19 Sri Lanka Police officers and 190 STF personnel. A special ceremony for these officers, together with 900 Sri Lanka Army personnel also preparing for UN peacekeeping duties including 43 Army personnel who have received specialised training in landmine and booby-trap clearance, was held on the morning of 26.06.2026 at the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Panagoda, under the patronage of Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Addressing the gathering, the President stated that this represents the largest deployment of Sri Lankan security personnel for UN peacekeeping operations at a single time. He extended his sincere congratulations to all those selected for the mission, describing the deployment as a significant honour for both the personnel and the nation. The President further noted that dedicated and professional officers such as those participating in the mission bring great pride and distinction to Sri Lanka. He remarked that while becoming the wealthiest nation in the world may be a challenge, meaningful humanitarian contributions such as UN peacekeeping missions can earn the country international respect and recognition. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd.) Mr. Aruna Jayasekara; Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Mr. Sampath Thuiyakontha; Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mr. Lasantha Rodrigo; Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Mr. Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe; Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Mr. Kanchana Banagoda; Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya; Commandant of the Police Special Task Force, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. D.G. Samantha de Silva; as well as several senior local and international officials.