Inaugural Day of First International Research Conference Held in Conjunction with 160th National Police Anniversary Concludes Successfully

The inaugural day of the first International Research Conference (NPAIRC-2026), organised by the National Police Training Institute, Katana, in conjunction with the 160th National Police Anniversary, concluded successfully on 31 August 2026.

The two-day conference commenced on the morning of 31 August 2026 at the premises of the National Police Training Institute, Katana.

The conference brings together professors, academics, researchers and students from local and foreign public and private universities and educational institutions, representatives of government and non-governmental organisations, and police officers from Sri Lanka and overseas.

The participants are examining contemporary crimes from a research-oriented perspective, while presenting and discussing a wide range of research papers and findings from Sri Lanka and other countries.

The inaugural session was held under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala, with the participation of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya. The High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka, Ms. Isabelle Martin, attended the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

The main theme of this year’s conference is:

“Transnational Crime and Social Protection: Integrated Responses for Global Security.”

On the inaugural day, extensive discussions were held on the importance of international relations and global cooperation in combating transnational crime, as well as on the integration of modern technological tools into policing and law enforcement systems.

Among the key areas discussed were human trafficking, the clandestine movement of criminals across international borders and drug trafficking.

A number of research papers also focused on the challenges faced by the Sri Lanka Police in combating cybercrime, strengthening protection against such offences, securing international assistance—including INTERPOL Red Notices—to apprehend suspects hiding overseas, safeguarding women and children, and protecting human rights.

Further presentations addressed measures to combat money laundering and financial crime, the identification and management of assets and wealth acquired through criminal and illicit activities, strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms, and bringing financial offences effectively within the scope of the law.

The conference also provided an opportunity for scholars to present proposals and recommendations on improving the administration of justice through the use of emerging technologies. Experiences and successful practices from other countries were shared, together with suggestions for strengthening existing policing methods.

The wide-ranging presentations, discussions and recommendations presented by local and international scholars are expected to contribute towards strengthening international cooperation and further enhancing the methods and strategies employed by the Sri Lanka Police to safeguard national security and public safety.

Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, Mr. Azusa Kubota; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, D.W.R.B. Seneviratne; former Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Senior Professor Mrs Nilanthi de Silva; Senior DIG Mr. Sajeewa Dharmaratne; Senior DIG Sajeewa Medawatte; Senior DIG of the North Western Province, Mr. Ajith Rohana; senior state officials and senior police officers; Professor Mrs. Anusha Edirisinghe of the University of Kelaniya; and DIG Mr. Manjula Mahagirilla, Executive Director of the National Police Training Institute, Katana, who played a key role from the initial stages in organising the conference to international standards, were among those present at the inaugural session.

Officers of the National Police Training Institute, Katana, who contributed to the successful organisation of the conference, also participated in the inaugural day.