Celebrating the 159th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Police – 2025

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.