The Sri Lanka Police has marked the completion of one year in office by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya, outlining a wide range of achievements in crime prevention, institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and welfare initiatives for officers.
Weerasooriya, a seasoned law enforcement officer and Attorney‑at‑Law, was appointed as the 37th IGP of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 14 August 2025.
Over the past year, his leadership has been credited with strengthening operational capabilities, modernizing facilities, and improving welfare for police personnel.
Police reported that under his tenure, 73 organized criminals and drug traffickers who had fled overseas were arrested and brought back to Sri Lanka with international cooperation, while steps have been taken to obtain Red Notices for 92 more wanted criminals abroad.
A record 771,580 drug‑related raids were conducted, leading to the seizure of 5,246.896 kg of heroin, 43,600.694 kg of cannabis, and 9,490.985 kg of methamphetamine (Ice), with 770,098 suspects arrested.
The highest number of firearms ever seized in police history, 6,966 weapons, was also recorded during this period.
Institutional reforms included the introduction of an evaluation mechanism to enhance police station efficiency, construction and renovation of police buildings, and the promotion of 4,680 officers across ranks, comprising 3,546 junior officers, 986 inspectors, and 148 senior gazetted officers.
Educational and professional development opportunities were expanded, with 890 overseas training placements facilitated, including 26 for junior officers, 557 for inspectors, and 307 for senior gazetted officers.
A new salary and pension structure has been formulated, alongside plans for a modernized uniform and revised recruitment qualifications. Recruitment drives are underway to add 7,500 new personnel to the Police and Special Task Force in 2026.
Infrastructure improvements have seen the procurement of 1,725 computers, 575 photocopiers, and 134 Tata single‑cab vehicles under Indian assistance, as well as the repair and modernization of existing vehicles at a cost of Rs. 1 billion.
Additional investments were made in generators, radio communication units valued at Rs. 709.84 million, and construction projects for police residences and stations, with Rs. 1 billion allocated for new buildings and Rs. 3.9 billion for renovations.
Welfare initiatives have focused on improving facilities for single and married officers, expanding healthcare benefits, and enhancing services at the Police Hospital.
Financial assistance for major medical procedures was increased from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 2 million, while accommodation projects such as 350 married officers’ quarters at Harbour View Residencies in Colombo and the construction of 150 official residences for OICs were completed at a cost of Rs. 5.5 billion.
Uniform allowances worth Rs. 1.1 billion were provided to junior officers, while procurement programmes amounting to Rs. 3.487 billion were initiated for essential welfare items including shoes, clothing, electronics, and household goods.
Other initiatives included the construction of the “Rajarata Sisila” accommodation complex in Anuradhapura, the reopening of “Gokanna Cottage” in Trincomalee, and expanded welfare funds, with Rs. 2.969 billion allocated for prizes in general and traffic cases and Rs. 795 million for recreational activities.
Scholarships valued at Rs. 4.5 million each were awarded to 12 children of police officers through collaboration with CINEC Metro Campus.
In its statement, the Sri Lanka Police expressed deep appreciation for IGP Weerasooriya’s dedicated leadership, committed service and progressive initiatives, noting his efforts to strengthen the institution, safeguard officer welfare, and modernize operations. (Newswire)