STF Commandant DIG Deva Gamini Samantha De Silva Retires from Police Service

Having marked an indelible chapter in the proud legacy of the Sri Lanka Police for nearly four decades as a living symbol of steadfast dedication, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Deva Gamini Samantha De Silva, Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF), retires from his honorable service on August 30, 2026.

Born on August 30, 1966, in the beautiful southern village of Ambalangoda—a region rooted in rich history and culture—Mr. Deva Gamini Samantha De Silva is the son of the late Mr. Stanley de Silva, a retired Railway Guard, and Mrs. Kumudini Wijeratne.

On December 1, 1986, he joined the Sri Lanka Police as a Probationary Assistant Sub-Inspector through the Kalutara Police Training College. The disciplined young officer received rigorous training, building a strong foundation in both legal knowledge and operational discipline.

Demonstrating youthful courage, he joined the elite Special Task Force (STF) at the Katukurunda STF Camp. There, he successfully completed extensive courses in jungle warfare, heavy weaponry, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), map reading, and Very Important Persons (VIP) protection. Serving in STF camps across Kalwanchikudi, Morayaya, and Katukurunda, he actively dismantled terrorist strongholds in the Northern and Eastern provinces. During this service, he earned his first promotion to the rank of Inspector of Police (IP) on January 1, 1991.

While deployed at the Kanthankudy/Karaitivu STF camp, he survived a lethal landmine blast orchestrated by terrorists, recovering after hospitalization.

Following a transfer to the Gonhena STF Camp, he was later posted to the Ministerial Security Division (MSD), where he served as the Personal Security Officer (PSO) to the late Cabinet Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

Promoted to Chief Inspector of Police (IP) on July 28, 1991, he shouldered heavy responsibilities during the height of the war, serving as the PSO for several Cabinet Ministers.

Marking a major milestone in his career, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on January 1, 2008. He was subsequently transferred to the Batticaloa Police Division, where he served as ASP Batticaloa.

During his tenure in Batticaloa, he represented the Sri Lanka Police internationally as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Police (UNPOL) mission in East Timor (UNMIT), bringing honor to the service.

Upon completing his UN deployment, he briefly returned to the Batticaloa Division before being re-posted to the Ministerial Security Division, where his dedicated service earned widespread praise.

Promoted to Superintendent of Police (SP) on January 1, 2014, he served in the Ministerial Security Division while concurrently holding the post of Acting Director of the Judicial Security Division.

Following his promotion to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) on January 1, 2018, he held key administrative posts, serving as Director (Planning) at the IGP Secretariat, Director of the Grievance Division, and Director of Headquarters Administration.

Appointed as Acting Deputy Inspector General of Police on September 24, 2021, he served as DIG (Police Headquarters Range), earning high regard from fellow officers for maintaining law and order across his range.

He was subsequently appointed Acting DIG for the Kilinochchi Range. His effective management of public order and strong community engagement earned him broad public respect, enhancing the reputation of the Sri Lanka Police.

Later appointed Commandant of the Special Task Force, he was promoted to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) on January 1, 2025. He continued to lead the STF as Commandant until his retirement, consistently sharing his operational knowledge and professional expertise with fellow officers.

Having completed numerous local training programs as well as specialized training in Russia, DIG De Silva continuously leveraged his expertise to strengthen national security. He remained a dedicated leader who freely shared his knowledge while supporting and mentoring his subordinates.

Committed to continuous learning, he earned a postgraduate degree from the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Colombo, demonstrating intellectual rigor alongside his operational leadership.

He is married to Mrs. Chamila Dileeka Mendis, the eldest daughter of business proprietor Mr. Cyril Mendis and Mrs. Mabel Mendis of Moratuwa. Together, they have raised a daughter and a son.

In recognition of his lifetime of service to law and order and national security, DIG De Silva has received two Special IGP Commendations, special salary increments, and all major service medals awarded to distinguished police officers.

As Deputy Inspector General of Police Deva Gamini Samantha De Silva retires on August 30, 2026, after 40 years of dedicated service to the nation and the Sri Lanka Police:

Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya, together with all officers of the Sri Lanka Police, extend their heartfelt wishes for his health, happiness, peace, and longevity in his retirement.