Sergeant 67763 D.G. Ranasinghe has been promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector of Police

Illegal sand mining in rivers causes significant environmental damage, including the depletion of drinking water sources relied upon by communities living along riverbanks.

To combat this unlawful activity, the Police Special Task Force (STF) conducts daily patrols and search operations in riverine areas in accordance with the law. During these operations, officers apprehend individuals involved in illegal sand mining and seize the machinery, equipment, and vehicles used in such activities before handing them over to the relevant police stations for legal action.

As part of these ongoing enforcement efforts, a team of officers attached to the STF Kantale Camp conducted a raid in the Mahaweli River near the Mulukkusetti area within the Kinniya Police Division on 12 July 2026.

During the operation, Police Sergeant 67763 D.G. Ranasinghe, who was a member of the raiding party, was tragically swept away by a sudden surge in the river and went missing.

A joint search operation involving officers from the Sri Lanka Police, the Police Special Task Force, and Sri Lanka Navy divers was launched immediately. The following day, the officer’s body was recovered a short distance downstream from the location where he had disappeared.

Police Sergeant D.G. Ranasinghe made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out his official duties and will be remembered as another courageous officer who lost his life in the service of the nation.

In recognition of his bravery and dedicated service, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Attorney-at-Law Mr. Weerasooriya has posthumously promoted Police Sergeant 67763 D.G. Ranasinghe to the rank of Sub-Inspector, with effect from 12 July 2026.

The officer’s final rites will be conducted with full honours in his hometown of Thunmodara, Waga, Hanwella.