Police News

Mr. Frederick Wootler, Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police, has been honoured with a People’s Award for the second consecutive time in recognition of his exemplary service in the Police Media Division. The Pride of the Nation Award 2026 ceremony, which acknowledges individuals currently rendering distinguished service to the country as well as those who made exceptional social contributions during the year 2025, was held on the evening of 22.02.2026 at the Foundation Institute. Previously, Mr. Wootler, who is also a LLB Graduate, received a National Honour Award in appreciation of his outstanding media engagement. His efforts include coordinating with media institutions in Sinhala, Tamil, and English to disseminate accurate information, and directly communicating important updates, guidance, and public advisories through the official social media platforms of the Sri Lanka Police, including its official Facebook page and website. The award was presented by Rector of the Sripalee Campus of the University of Colombo Attorney at Law Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa, . Attendees extended their congratulations to Mr. Wootler, commending his leadership of the Police Media Division and wishing him continued success in his future endeavours. Demonstrating initiative, resilience, and strong language proficiency, Mr. Wootler has served in several capacities, including as Officer-in-Charge at multiple police stations across the country. He is also a Human Rights scholar from the University of Colombo and has served for five years as a Police Advisor with the United Nations in countries such as East Timor and South Sudan, contributing to international peacekeeping and institutional development efforts. Moving beyond traditional media frameworks, ASP Wootler introduced the concept of producing a series of digital audio-visual programmes, including podcasts accessible online at any time and distributed through social media platforms. This forward-thinking initiative has modernised the communication strategy of the Police Media Division and enhanced public engagement. This latest recognition marks the second major award received by ASP Frederick Wutler for his dedicated service to both the public and the Police Media Division. Under his stewardship, the Division is expected to continue playing a proactive and influential role in the media landscape, further strengthening the relationship between the police and the community.

The Western Province Southern Crime Division is conducting comprehensive investigations to apprehend all suspects involved in the shooting and killing of a lawyer and his wife while they were travelling in a car in the Akuregoda area, within the jurisdiction of the Thalangama Police Division, on 13.02.2026, by two unidentified gunmen who arrived in a car. Accordingly, a team of officers from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, operating in coordination with the above division, arrested one of the suspected shooters in the Delduwa area, within the jurisdiction of the Ambalangoda Police Division, on the evening of 21.02.2026. A mobile phone believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was also recovered. The arrested suspect is a 46-year-old resident of the Baddegama area. In connection with this incident, three suspects were arrested on 16.02.2026 in the Kottawa Police Division and the Athurugiriya Police Division, and one suspect was arrested on 17.02.2026 in the Kahathuduwa Police Division, on charges of aiding and abetting and criminal conspiracy. In addition, the Police Special Task Force arrested two male and three female suspects on 21.02.2026 on suspicion of facilitating and assisting the commission of this crime in various ways. All arrested suspects, together with witnesses, are currently being detained by the Western Province Southern Crime Division for further investigations. The suspected shooter has been identified as a person who legally left the Sri Lanka Army under the general amnesty granted in 2009 and is scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today, 22.02.2026. It is further stated that the suspect depicted in the AI-generated photo image released to the public on 20.02.2026 is not the suspect currently in custody.  Further investigations are continuing to trace and arrest the individual shown in that image, who is believed to be the second shooter involved in this crime. Members of the public who have any information are kindly requested to contact: Deputy Inspector General of Police – Western Province North : 071 8598008Divisional Officer – Nugegoda : 071 8591641Director – Western Province Southern Crime Division : 071 8592279  

Officers of the Kalpitiya Police have successfully conducted a raid in the Anawasala area of Kalpitiya on 19.02.2026, seizing 10 kilograms and 455 grams of Kerala cannabis. Two suspects have been arrested during the raid, one suspect was in possession of 05 kilograms and 375 grams of Kerala cannabis, while the other suspect was in possession of 05 kilograms and 80 grams of Kerala cannabis. The two suspects, aged 41 and 50, are residents of Hettipola and Kalpitiya areas. The Kalpitiya Police is conducting further investigations.

On the evening of 15.02.2026, a team of officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau Airport Unit, together with officers of Sri Lanka Customs, carried out an inspection of a woman who had arrived by air from Bangkok at the premises of Bandaranaike International Airport. During the search, officers recovered 16.400 kg of Kush in her possession. The suspect, along with two other individuals who allegedly aided and abetted the drug trafficking operation, was taken into custody. The main suspect is a 35-year-old resident of Colombo 14. The two other suspects, aged 27 and 33, are residents of Colombo 14 and Kolonnawa, respectively. Further investigations are being conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau.

Officers of the Western Province North Crime Division arrested a suspect in possession of 271 kg and 835g of Kerala cannabis during a surprise raid carried out on the night of 14 February 2026 within the Ragama Police Division area. The suspect is a 34-year-old resident of Colombo 14. Further investigations into the incident are being conducted by the Western Province North Crime Division.

If you receive an email from the addresses Naucinatacha20@gmail.com or Police.cid.lk@gmail.com claiming to be an official communication, please treat it as a fraudulent message. The Criminal Investigation Department has confirmed that no such email has been issued by the department. It is suspected that these emails are being circulated with the intention of misleading recipients, obtaining money through deception, or unlawfully collecting personal information. An investigation is currently in progress to identify the individual or group responsible for distributing these messages. The public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and to carefully verify the authenticity of any communication that claims to originate from the Sri Lanka Police or the Criminal Investigation Department before responding or sharing any personal details.

The Sacred Relics brought from India on 04.02.2026 are currently being exhibited for public veneration at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple from 05.02.2026 and are scheduled to be returned to India on the morning of 11.02.2026. As a large number of devotees are still awaiting the opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Relics on 10.02.2026, the Police kindly request the public not to join the queues after 10.00 p.m. tonight, in the interest of public safety and orderly crowd management  

A special traffic plan will be implemented in the Colombo area in view of the proud 78th National Independence Day celebrations and its related rehearsals. The 78th National Independence Day celebration is scheduled to be held in a grand manner on 04 February 2026 at the Independence Square premises. In preparation for this event, pre-rehearsal programs will be conducted from 30 January 2026 to 02 February 2026. Accordingly, based on the rehearsal schedules and the main Independence Day celebration, special traffic restrictions and alternative routes will be enforced as follows: Traffic Restriction Timings 30.01.2026, 31.01.2026, 02.01.2026 From 07:45 hrs to 13:30 hrs 01.02.2026 (Full Rehearsal): From 05:00e hrs to 13:30 hrs 04.02.2026 (Independence Day): From 05:00 hrs until the conclusion of the celebrations Roads Subject to Traffic Restrictions During Rehearsals Nidahas Mawatha – Entrance to Independence Square from Nidahas Roundabout Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha – Entrance towards the Foundation Institute Bauddhaloka Mawatha – Torrington Junction to Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha Bauddhaloka Mawatha – R.F.P. Junction to Maitland Place Wijerama Mawatha – Vidya Mawatha Junction towards Vidya Mawatha Maitland Crescent – R.G. Senanayake Mawatha Junction towards Freedom Roundabout Maitland Crescent – Junction towards Freedom Roundabout Horton Place – Maitland Crescent Junction towards Freedom Roundabout Roads Subject to Traffic Restrictions on 04.02.2026 (From 03:00 hrs until the end of the celebrations) Horton Roundabout to Ananda CoomaraswamyE Mawatha Library Junction to Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha towards Horton Roundabout Dharmapala Mawatha to F.R. Senanayake Mawatha Kannangara Mawatha to F.R. Senanayake Mawatha Nidahas Mawatha to Freedom Roundabout towards Independence Square Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha towards the Foundation Institute Bauddhaloka Mawatha – Torrington Junction to Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha Bauddhaloka Mawatha – R.F.P. Junction to Maitland Place Wijerama Mawatha – Vidya Mawatha Junction to Vidya Mawatha Maitland Crescent – R.G. Senanayake Mawatha Junction to Freedom Roundabout Maitland Crescent – Junction to Freedom Roundabout Horton Place – Maitland Crescent Junction to Freedom Roundabout Residents and institutions located along the roads affected by the above traffic restrictions will be permitted to travel without disruption to their essential duties. The public and motorists are kindly requested to cooperate with the Police and to use alternative routes where possible. 

A complaint has been lodged with the Mirihana Police stating that on 30 January 2026, two attorneys who appeared in a case before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court were attacked after leaving the court premises. According to the complaint, while the lawyers were alighting from their vehicle, a group of individuals blocked the car near the Nugegoda Gamsabha Junction, damaged the vehicle, and threatened them. In response to the incident, three police teams, including officers from the Mirihana Police, commenced investigations. As a result, a team from the Mirihana Police arrested one suspect in the Kajulandawatte area, within the Madampe Police Division. The arrest was made on charges of unlawful obstruction, criminal intimidation, and mischief, as well as participation in an unlawful assembly. The arrested suspect is a 43-year-old resident of the Kajulandawatte area, Madampe. Police have stated that all individuals involved in acts obstructing the lawful exercise of the legal profession will be swiftly apprehended and produced before the Court. Further investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the remaining suspects.  

On the morning of 31.01.2026, a team of officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau conducted a raid in the Bentota Police Division on a tip-off and arrested two suspects with 05 kg and 105g of heroin. The suspects are residents of the Bentota area, aged 40 and 45. The Police Narcotics Bureau is conducting further investigations.