Special Events

As part of the ongoing initiative to create a safe and secure environment free from crime and violence, where all citizens can live without fear, the newly established Sahaspura Police Station was ceremonially declared open on 08 May 2026. The Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Sunil Watagala, Inspector General of Police Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and several senior police officers. The new police station is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the area, delivering an efficient and responsive service to the public, and combating crime through the use of modern technology and community policing strategies. In addition, the establishment of the Sahaspura Police will enable residents of the area to access police services more conveniently, promptly, and effectively.

In conjunction with the official visit of the President of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Police Headquarters on the morning of 08.05.2026 between the Minister of Public Security of Vietnam, Mr. Luong Tam Quang, and the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ananda Wijayapala. The agreement further strengthens and expands security cooperation between the two countries across several new areas. The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police and Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, along with several senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police, participated in the occasion. During the discussions, both parties exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in combating organized crimes such as cybercrime and human trafficking, handling arrested suspects, sharing intelligence and information, and providing training opportunities for police officers. To commemorate this significant occasion, mementos were exchanged between the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police of the Katana Police Training College, Mr. Manjula Mahagirilla, and the visiting foreign delegation.

Senior officers who retired from the Sri Lanka Police Service in recent years represent a distinguished group of individuals who courageously served the nation during some of its most challenging periods, including the three-decade-long conflict, while carrying out vital law enforcement responsibilities. A New Year celebration organized by the Retired State Notified Officers’ Association for a group of such former high-ranking police officers was recently held at the grounds opposite the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Colombo 07. The Chief Guest at the event was Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, a retired Senior Deputy Inspector General and the current Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security. The Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of the North Western Province, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Ajith Rohana, also attended the occasion, representing the serving and retired fraternity. The Secretary of the Retired Government Notified Officers’ Association, Retired Deputy Inspector General Lakshman Mr. Bandara, together with the association, had made excellent arrangements, including a variety of traditional sweets, entertainment activities, and folk games. The event provided a delightful opportunity for retired senior officers to reconnect, interact, and celebrate in a warm and convivial atmosphere.

In commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, the National Police Training Institute, Katana, is organizing its inaugural international research conference. The conference is scheduled to be held on 31.08.2026 at the premises of the National Police Training Institute and on 01.09.2026 in Colombo. The official website ([https://npa.gov.lk/?page_id=3552](https://npa.gov.lk/?page_id=3552)) was launched, and the call for research papers was announced under the patronage of the Hon. Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, with the participation of the Hon. Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, at the Ministry of Public Security on 28.04.2026. The event was attended by Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of Training and Advanced Training, Mr. Sampath Kumara Liyanage, Deputy Inspector General Mr. Manjula Mahagirilla, university academics, and several distinguished invitees.

A substantial stock of narcotics, including 22 kilograms of heroin and large quantities of cannabis and Kerala cannabis, seized by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB)* and produced in court proceedings, was destroyed on 27.04.2026 at the incineration facility in *Wanathavilluwa, Puttalam. The narcotics consignments comprising 22 kilograms of heroin, 33 kilograms and 172 kilograms of Kerala cannabis, and 247 kg and 940 kg of cannabis-had been taken into custody in connection with various cases. These substances were transported under tight security after being released by the Balapitiya Court* and the Chilaw Court in the early hours of the same day. The destruction process was carried out with full transparency under the supervision of Hon. Magistrate Mrs. Pavithra Sanjeevani (Balapitiya) and Hon. Magistrate Mr. Harsha de Silva (Chilaw). Senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of the Police Narcotics Bureau Ashoka Dharmasena, Director of the PNB H.N.P.C. Herath, representatives from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, the Government Analyst’s Department, and officers of the Narcotics Prevention Bureau, were present to oversee the procedure. The entire stock of narcotics was incinerated and completely destroyed in accordance with legal protocols.

A discussion was held on 22.04.2026 at the Police Headquarters between Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy, and the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The primary focus of the discussion was to improve public convenience and operational efficiency by integrating the Sri Lanka Police with other government institutions through digital platforms, supported by the foundational infrastructure to be established alongside the introduction of digital identity cards in the near future. Attention was also directed toward establishing an efficient mechanism to enable police divisions to swiftly access essential data required for investigating crimes reported by the public, particularly those involving fraudulent activities linked to online transaction platforms emerging with the expansion of digital payment systems. Senior police officers representing the Crime, Traffic, Information Technology, and Narcotics Prevention Directorates highlighted the necessity of expediting data-sharing procedures to prevent delays and complications that may arise when obtaining information from various institutions during investigations. Potential measures and solutions were also discussed.

A special program has been introduced within the Sri Lanka Police to provide disaster relief loans to officers who have experienced unforeseen calamities and are in need of immediate financial assistance. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 22.04.2026 at the Police Headquarters between the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, and the General Manager of the National Savings Bank, Mr. Rohana Weerakoon. This agreement enables the provision of essential financial support to eligible officers through the National Savings Bank (NSB). Recognizing the significance of this relief measure, particularly for officers carrying extensive responsibilities, the IGP Mr. Weerasooriya, has given continuous attention to ensuring the swift and efficient implementation of this financial assistance program since assuming duties as the Acting Inspector General of Police.

The Sri Lanka Police has made a financial contribution of Rs. 74,177,940.91 to further strengthen the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, which was established by the Government to provide relief to those affected by Cyclone Ditva and to support the restoration of damaged infrastructure. The cheque in this regard was officially handed over to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, by the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police S.C. Bamunuarachchi, together with the Officer-in-Charge of the IGP’s Secretariat, Chief Inspector Udayakumara, on 22.04.2026 at the Presidential Secretariat. This marks the third occasion on which the Sri Lanka Police has extended financial assistance to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund. On this occasion, a sum of Rs. 9,687,462.98 was donated, while a previous contribution of Rs. 50 million was officially handed over on 31.12.2025 by the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya. Additionally, a further donation of Rs. 14,490,477.93 was made on 26.02.2026. This fund has been raised through contributions deducted from the salaries of all Sri Lanka Police officers, as well as through voluntary donations made by them. It is noteworthy that police personnel have willingly extended their financial support during a time of national crisis, demonstrating their commitment to serving the country while continuing to uphold law and order.

The theme for this year’s World Earth Day, observed on April 22, is “Our Power, Our Planet.” Marking World Earth Day 2026, the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association launched the **“Plant a Tree”** initiative, as part of the *Green IPA* project introduced by the International Police Association in 2024. The programme was ceremonially inaugurated on the morning of 22.04.2026 with the planting of a sapling in front of Police Headquarters, under the patronage of the Chairman of the International Police Association, Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya. He stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to plant 50,000 saplings islandwide this year through the Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate, in collaboration with Public Safety Committees. The successful implementation of the *Green IPA* project in 2024 earned the Sri Lanka Police international recognition as the branch that planted the highest number of saplings among 68 participating countries. During that initiative, the Sri Lanka Police contributed 5,000 saplings to the country. The inaugural event was attended by several senior officers, including the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate, Mr. R.A.R.N. Rajapaksa, the Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Police Association, and the Women’s Chief Inspector of Police, Mrs. Sunethra Seneviratne.

A significant milestone was marked as 200 Junior Sub-Inspectors reported for their basic training at the Kalutara Police College, embarking on a distinguished journey dedicated to upholding law and order in the country over the coming decades. Approximately a year ago, from nearly 25,000 applicants for the rank of Sub-Inspector, this outstanding group identified as future leaders of the Sri Lanka Police was carefully selected through a series of rigorous interview stages. These junior officers will undergo training for over a year under a newly introduced modular system, incorporating local legal studies and modern technological approaches developed in collaboration with the Scottish Police. The program also includes specialized instruction designed to enhance their physical endurance and mental resilience, particularly in preparation for weapons handling and operational duties. Under the close supervision and guidance of the Director of the Probationary Officers Recruitment Division, SSP Mr. Sujeewa Wijesena, and the Director of the Kalutara Police College, SSP Mr. Dushantha Ruwan Thalagala, the new recruits were formally received into the Sri Lanka Police at the Kalutara Police College premises on 19.04.2025. We extend our sincere best wishes to these newly inducted officers as they begin their careers in public service, and hope they serve with integrity, dedication, and honor.