162nd Police Heroes’ Day Commemoration – Sri Lanka Police

The 162nd Police Heroes’ Day Commemoration was solemnly held on the morning of 21 March 2026 under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The ceremony was conducted with dignity and reverence, in remembrance of the brave police personnel of the Sri Lanka Police who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty throughout the nation’s history.

Amidst a ceremonial guard of honour comprising police officers and Police Special Task Force personnel, the IGP, together with the family members of the fallen heroes, paid floral tributes at the War Heroes’ Memorial located at the Police Field Force Headquarters.

Addressing the gathering, the IGP stated that he would honour and remember the fallen police officers “each day at sunrise and sunset,” and affirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of their families.

According to official records, beginning from the sacrifice of Police Constable Sabahan, who lost his life while executing orders to apprehend Saradiel in Utuwankande under the direction of Kegalle District Attorney E. R. Saunders—to the present day, a total of 5,789 police officers have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Among them are seven female officers. Additionally, 464 officers of the Police Special Task Force have made the ultimate sacrifice, while 1,633 police personnel have sustained disabilities in the course of their service.

During the 30-year North-Eastern conflict, 2,598 officers sacrificed their lives in the interest of national peace and security, and 1,575 others were left permanently disabled.

The first female police officer to be martyred in the history of the Sri Lanka Police was Officer Ms. Yashomaneke, who lost her life while performing her duties in Kandy on 16 July 1989.

At this year’s commemoration, the Commander of the Police Field Force Headquarters, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Hemal Prashantha, served as the Chief Commander of the Guard of Honour. A large number of senior police officers, including Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police, were also present to pay homage at the War Heroes’ Memorial and to mark the occasion with due respect and solemnity.