Special Events

Taking an oath to maintain an environment conducive to living without fear and trepidation in our motherland and for the purpose of providing the police services, round the clock, necessary for the day-to-day lives of the general public, 396 Probationary Police Constables, who completed their basic training at the Kalutara Police College for almost 8 months, passed out with pride and left for the respective police stations to which they were attached today on 09.09.2025. The passing-out ceremony was held with grandeur at the Aluvihara Grounds of the Kalutara Police College under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Ananda Wijeyapala, with the participation of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr Ravi Seneviratne, and the Inspector General of Police (Attorney-at-Law), Mr Priyantha Weerasooriya. The salutation parade of this year’s passing-out ceremony, which consisted of 12 platoons with 367 police constables and 29 police constable drivers, was led by the Assistant Superintendent of Police of Colombo Central Division, Mr Minura Senarath, as the Chief Commanding Officer. The Officer in Charge of the Kalutara Police College, Chief Inspector of Police Mr Buddeen Chandradeep, acted as the Second in Command. After the salutation parade, awards and certificates were presented to the officers who had exhibited an outstanding performance during the training period under 05 categories by the Hon. Minister and the Inspector General of Police. * Probationary Police Constable 107351 C. B. K. R. Netkelum was awarded the Most Skilled Probationary Police Officer.* Probationary Police Constable 107257 * B. D. K. Sampath was awarded the Best Probationary Officer Proficient in Law.* Probationary Police Constable 107516 S. M. P. A. B. Senevirathna was awarded the Best Marksman.* Probationary Police Constable Driver 103370 A. M. J. D. B. Jayasundara was awarded the Most Skilled Probationary Constable Driver.* Police Constable Driver 103705 R. M. I. P. Jayathilaka was awarded the Best Driver. Then, the ceremony was inaugurated and the Acting Director of the Sri Lanka Police College, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr Dushantha Ruwan Thalagala, delivered the welcome speech at the ceremony and welcomed the chief guests, including senior police officers such as, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Training and Higher Training Range, Mr Sajeewa Medawatte, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Western Province, Mr Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Recruitment and Training Range, Mr Anura Pushpakumara, as well as senior government officials who participated in the ceremony representing leading government institutions, parents and companions of the probationary officers. Addressing the gathering, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Mr Ananda Wijeyapala, and Inspector General of Police (Attorney-at-Law) Priyantha Weerasooriya congratulated the new officers and explained the values that can be incorporated into life by maintaining strong professionalism in the police service.  The demonstrations, musical rendition, and dance performance presented by the Police Special Task Force, Police Western Band, and Police Cultural Division, respectively, together with the talented teams of Police College, contributed towards offering entertainment for those who had participated, in the same manner that is generally found marking the end of passing-out ceremonies.  Even this time, everyone who joined the Sri Lanka Police official Facebook page had the opportunity to watch all these events live. 

The opening ceremony of the renovated administrative building of the Cinnamon Gardens Police Station was took place on the morning of 04.09.2025 at the Station’s premises under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, and with the participation of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya. This administrative building, which is 102 years old, has been renovated at a cost of Rs. 70 million and converted into a fully-fledged building equipped with a new armory. In 1923, this building was donated to the Sri Lanka Police by the Obeysekara family, and Mrs. Sondral Hiranthi Obeysekara, a member of that family, also took part in this ceremony. The Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne; the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province, Sanjeewa Dharmaratne; the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Colombo Range, Nishantha De Zoysa; the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Colombo South Division, D.L.A. Sooriyabandara; and a group of police officers participated in this event.

The Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of the Sri Lanka Police, which investigates controversial crimes taking place in this country and unsolved crimes reported from this country in the past and is responsible for bringing the real perpetrators of those crimes to justice, is currently conducting its investigations efficiently. Accordingly, the main objective of establishing this bureau is to conduct investigations for the purpose of taking legal action through the identification of the criminal networks and criminals operating in the country, by having been able to assist the Criminal Investigation Department directly in investigating crimes such as illegal assets, homicide and organised crimes, cybercrimes, human trafficking, smuggling and maritime crimes. In order to achieve these objectives and mission, the establishment of the Police Central Criminal Investigation Bureau in an office allocated in the Labour Department Building in Narahenpita, which has been identified as a proper workspace, was carried out on 04.09.2025 under the leadership of the Minister of Public Security, Mr. Ananda Wijeyapala, and the Deputy Minister of Labour, Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe. A number of senior police officers, including Inspector General of Police (Attorney-at-Law) Mr Priyantha Weerasooriya, SDIG in charge of the Central Province, Mr Lalith Pathinayake, SDIG in charge of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau, Mr Ranmal Kodituwakku, and the Director of the said Bureau, Superintendent of Police Mr Kamal Ariyawansa, participated in this event.

The new office of Senior Superintendent of Police, Homagama close to Godagama Junction in Meegoda Police Area was declared open on 03. 09. 2025 under the leadership of the Hon. Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Sunil Watagala, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya (Attorney-at-Law). The office of Senior Superintendent of Police, Homagama comprises of nine police stations; Kottawa, Homagama, Meegoda, Athurugiriya, Navagamuwa, Kaduwela, Padukka, Hanwella, Kosgama, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr. C.D. Liyanage is presently discharging duties as the officer in charge of Homagama Division. The public can contact the new office of Senior Superintendent of Police, which has been established for efficient and effective public service, through 071 – 8592113. Senior Police officers including the Inspector General of Police, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Western Province, Mr. Sanjeewa Dharmarathna, DIG in charge of Western Province South Range, Mr. Pradeep Kalupahana participated in the event.

As the most people friendly government institution, having successfully overcome the obstacles and challenges that arose from time to time during the history spanning over a century and a half, that is 159 years since the day Sir G. W. R. Campbell was appointed as the first Inspector General of Police on 03rd September 1866, to the date 03.09.2025, presently we work towards preserving law and order in the country with greater strength. Taking its pride into consideration, the 159th Police Day ceremony was held on 03 – 09 – 2025 at the Police Field Force Headquarters Grounds, Bambalapitiya under the leadership of Hon. President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, the Deputy Minister of the said Ministry, Mr. Sunil Watagala, the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Rtd. Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Rtd. S.D.I.G. Ravi Seneviratne, the Commanders of the Tri-Forces, senior government officials and many distinguished guests have participated in the event. The anniversary celebration commenced with the ceremonial parade, consisting of 5 platoons led by platoon commanders, who are senior police officers on horseback, giving salute to the President. Then a short silence was observed in honour and memory of the 3050 police officers who have lost their lives so far in the line of duty, prior to the welcome speech by the Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya (Attorney-at-Law). Thereafter, arose the occasion for awarding promotions for 4254 Police Special Task Force officers and Police Officers below the rank of Chief Inspector of Police whose promotions had been long overdue indefinitely. Accordingly, several officers symbolically received their promotion letters from the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, the Deputy Minister of Public Security, Mr. Sunil Watagala, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne. Then came the conferment of Presidential Commendations to the two police officers who led the famous overseas operation carried out by a local team of police officers last week. Hon. President, Anura Kumara awarded the President’s Police Gallantry Medal (Janadhipathi Police Weeratha Padakkama) to the Director of the Western Province North Crime Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Olugala, and the Assistant Superintendent of Police of Criminal Investigation Department, A. M. M. Jayasundara, for their outstanding performance of duty in arresting five notorious organized criminals in Indonesia and bringing them back to the country. Thereafter, addressing the Police Day celebrations, the President, extended his best wishes for the future journey of the Sri Lanka Police, while appreciating Sri Lanka Police, and commending and motivating the officers. The Inspector General of Police presented a commemorative memento to the President in honour of his presence on this occasion. Following the successful conclusion of the ceremonial proceedings, spectacular displays were performed by the Police Western Band, the Police Special Task Force, the Police Kennels Division, and the Police Cultural Division, through which the diverse skills and resources of the Sri Lanka Police were exhibited to all those present in a splendid manner. All events of this proud 159th Anniversary Celebration were broadcasted live via the official Facebook page of Sri Lanka Police by the Police Media Division, together with the Police Information Technology Division and the Police Communication Division.

The 12-storey building, located on an area of about 3 acres in the Kompannaveediya area, which has been used as the Sri Lanka Police Headquarters since 15.03.2024, was officially handed over to the Sri Lanka Police on this morning, 03.09.2025, under the patronage of Mr. Ananda Wijepala, the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. This marks a significant milestone in the history of the Sri Lanka, as today (03) Sri Lanka Police celebrates its 159th Anniversary. Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne; Inspector General of Police (Attorney-at-Law), Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya; and senior police officers have graced this occasion. Amidst religious blessings, the Minister officially declared open the new Police Headquarters and conveyed his congratulations to the Inspector General of Police.

The Sri Lanka Police, which has a history spanning over a century, is proudly celebrating its 159th anniversary this year.In conjunction with the Police Anniversary Day, a number of programs have been organized at police stations across the Island from this morning, 03.09.2025, to seek religious blessings for the future of the Sri Lanka Police.  A large number of police officers representing all ranks were provided with the opportunity to join the major all religious events held on the morning of 03.09.2025, with the participation of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Priyantha Weerasooriya, and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of the Western Province, Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, at the Gangaramaya Viharaya in Kompannaveediya, the Bambalapitiya Kadireshan Hindu Kovil, the Dawatagahawatta Mosque in Kurunduwatta and the Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Kampannaveediya. 

The 159th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, an institution with a history spanning over a century and a half, will be celebrated on 03rd September 2025.  03rd September 1866, the day Mr. G. W. R. Campbell was appointed as the first Inspector General of Police, is recognised as the foundation day of the Sri Lanka Police. Accordingly, having to celebrate 159th Police Day within a fortnight from Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya’s (Attorney-at-law) assuming duties as the 37th Inspector General of Police marks a significant milestone, since the day of assumption of duties in the office of Inspector General of Police is commemorated as the Police Day. Historical evidence substantiates the fact that there had been duties similar to the police duties even within the period when the system of monarchy prevailed in Sri Lanka.  When tracing the history of police, facts emerge on how the police duty marked its inception during a time when foreign nationals invaded this country which was ruled under a system of monarchy.  Subsequent to the Dutch occupation of the coastal areas in 1602, the Colombo Municipal Council approved a proposal in 1650 to deploy guards for the protection of the city at night. Accordingly, four soldiers were employed to conduct night patrols in the city, which can be considered the initial duty of the Sri Lanka Police. On 16th February 1796, the Dutch surrendered to the British, and from then onwards, the British Army was responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. An additional financial burden regarding the supervision of the police fell heavily on the government. As a result, Governor Frederick North, with the consent of the Chief Justice, entrusted the responsibility of overseeing the Police to the magistrates and Police judges. A law was passed for the first time with regard to the Sri Lanka Police after a short period of time from the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British. Afterwards, regulations were enacted in 1806 to appoint a Police Officer or a type of headman named Village Police Vidane for each village. They were held accountable to the Government Agent of the respective district and were also entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining order and investigation of crimes in the relevant villages under their purview.  Since the title of the head of the Police Force was changed from Chief Superintendent of Police to Inspector General of Police with the amendment of Police Ordinance No. 16 of 1865, the statutory establishment of present police service occurred on 03rd September 1866. The Governor, Frederick North, who was looking for a dynamic person to reorganize the police in the Island, conducted some observations into such affairs, with the intention of drawing inspirations from the police duties in India. The Governor of Bombay recommended Mr. G. W. R. Campbell, who was in charge of the “Rathnagiri Rangers” of the Bombay Police, to shoulder this onerous responsibility. Mr. Campbell was selected by the Governor and he assumed duties as the Chief Superintendent of Police on the 03rd of September 1866.  By 1843, the existing Police Ordinance was repealed, granting the Governor the authority to establish Police Stations at any location on the Island. In 1845, the position, Inspector of Police was introduced, increasing the number of Police officers, and the rank, Police Constable was introduced, replacing the rank of Police Peon. In 1870, with the objective of unravelling the increasing commercial crimes, baffling murders, and mysteries, deployment of Police officers in civil attire was initiated.   Subsequently, the Criminal Investigation Department was inaugurated by Major Knolis who was appointed the Inspector General of Police in 1891 and the first Officer in Charge of the said establishment was Inspector of Police Mr. Kothalawala. Sir Richard Aluvihare, commenced duties on 01st June 1947, as the first Sri Lankan Inspector General of Police and the Department of Police, which remained under the Ministry of Home Affairs at that time, was brought under the purview of the Ministry of Defence. Following independence gained in 1948, Sir Richard Aluvihare was tasked with transforming the Police Force into a Police Service divorced from the vestiges of Colonialism. Shouldering the said responsibility in an effective manner, he performed an invaluable service towards the progress of the Sri Lanka Police by focusing on the welfare of officers, investigation, crime detection, crime prevention societies, volunteers of rural watch, police huts, public relations, and development of new training methods. The Police Kennel duty, recognized globally as an area of expertise in crime-solving, was established within the Sri Lanka Police in November 1948. Currently, various police canines are deployed across 54 units island-wide, significantly contributing to crime investigations, drug detection, and explosives identification. In 1952, the Sri Lanka Police started recruiting female officers, and since then, they have advanced through various ranks, from Woman Police Constable to Woman Deputy Inspector General of Police, contributing greatly to the Sri Lanka Police. The Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women established in 1979, now operates across all police stations with the active participation of female officers. During the tenure of Inspector General of Police Mr. Chandra Fernando in 2006, a special unit named SOCO was established by giving special training for Scene of Crime Officers by the Swedish Police to investigate crimes reported to the Sri Lanka Police. The officers who obtained the said training are deployed across 43 units island-wide and are performing criminal investigation duties. In addition to the training provided by the police colleges, a training institute known as the Police Higher Education Institute was established in 1978 with the aim of equipping police officers with the knowledge necessary to address future challenges facing the Sri Lanka police. Thereafter, it was reestablished with the name of Sri Lanka Police Academy in 2008 and later as the National Police Academy by the Parliament Act No. 04 of 2011 for carrying out courses in coordination with universities, paving its path to award a police degree in the future. In 1983, the Special Task

The mess, which had been in dilapidated condition for some time and used by the Talaimannar Police Station, was renovated within a short period by the Police Engineering Branch of the Mannar Police Division. The necessary financial assistance for this was provided from the Police Rewards Fund. The Inspector General of Police, Mr Priyantha Weerasooriya (Attorney-at-Law), visited the Talaimannar Police Station on the evening of 01.09.2025 to declare the completely renovated mess open at the invitation of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Northern Province, Mr Thilak C. A. Dhanapala. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Northern Province, Mr Thilak C. A. Dhanapala, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Vanni Range, Mr Samantha Wijesekara, Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Mannar Division, Mr W. K. A. J. Erick Ranjith, Senior Superintendent of Police who was previously in charge of Mannar Division and is currently in charge of Trincomalee Police Division, Mr L. Y. A. Chandrapala, and the Officer in Charge of the Talaimannar Police Station, Chief Inspector of Police Mr Janaka Thushara, participated in this event.

Sunset Holiday Resort for Police Officers, built next to Vankalai Police Station, was declared open by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, on 01.09.2025. The entire construction of this resort has been carried out with the labor contribution of the officers of the Mannar Divisional Engineering Division, and the financial contribution has been provided through divisional grants. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Northern Province, Thilak C.A. Dhanapala; Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Wanni Range, Samantha Wijesekera; Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of Mannar Division, W. K. A. J. Eric Ranjith; Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of Trincomalee Division, L. Y. A. Chandrapala; Officer in charge of Vankalai Police Station, Chief Inspector of Police Kelum Darshana Senevirathne also participated in this event.