Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya announced that a Braille-based service will be introduced for the 119 Police Emergency Hotline to assist people who are deaf, nonspeaking or blind.

Speaking to reporters, Weerasooriya said the service will be launched tomorrow (04) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in line with the 160th anniversary celebrations of Sri Lanka Police.

He said it would be the first such service introduced in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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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)

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Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya says that the protest that was staged near the Fort Magistrate’s Court during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s court hearing this week is deemed contempt of court. 

Addressing the media yesterday, IGP Weerasooriya said that this was pointed out by the relevant magistrate during the court proceedings, as well.

He further said that a probe has been launched into the protest and that a court order has been issued in this regard.

“The process to identify those who had planned the protest is underway. A Police officer was injured due to a bottle being thrown by a protester. The suspect was arrested. We require some time, as we need to identify suspects through photographs and videos. You cannot protest asking for bail, it is considered contempt of court,” he said. 

IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya added that an investigation will be conducted into the protest, after which legal action will be initiated. (Newswire/ Image- AFP)

There will be legal action against those who protested near the court asking for bail for Ranil.#lka #ranilwickremesinghe #igp #srilankapolice pic.twitter.com/3xaze46eJ5

— NewsCenter.lk (@NewsCenterLk) August 28, 2025

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Newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya, called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (15).

According to the President’s Office, the President extended his best wishes to the new IGP, who, in turn, presented a commemorative gift to the President.

Priyantha Weerasooriya becomes the 37th IGP of Sri Lanka. 

He is also the first IGP to have risen through all three ranks, Police Constable, Sub-Inspector, and Assistant Superintendent, before being appointed to the top post. (Newswire)

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Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya says measures are being taken to tighten the laws to maintain law and order in Sri Lanka. 

Speaking to the media, after having assumed duties today, IGP Weerasooriya said that the President, Justice Minister and Minister of Public Security have been informed that special raids to curb drug and crime activities cannot be continued under the existing laws.

“As such, we are formulating laws to address these concerns. New laws are required to deal with people who are unable to refrain from engaging in crimes and corruption. We have received the utmost support of the international community, and steps are being taken to utilize their assistance and strengthen ties,” he said.  

IGP Weerasooriya further said that the shortcomings in the existing laws are being addressed to further strengthen the operations conducted to curb crimes and drug-related activities, including the increased shooting incidents in Sri Lanka. 

“There are some people who have fled and have sought refuge overseas who are behind these crimes and drug activities. They operate through their associates in Sri Lanka. There are some who had deserted the armed forces, and some even from the Police force who are involved in drug activities. We are taking steps to address all of this,” he said. 

IGP Weerasooriya said the first step will commence with cleansing the Police force, after which focus will be turned to society. 

Commenting on the circulation of weapons in society, he acknowledged that a large number of firearms are currently in the hands of ordinary citizens. 

“These include weapons from the tri-forces, weapons that belonged to the LTTE, weapons stolen from the armed forces, and those that have been taken from the Police Force. Investigations are underway into the weapons linked to the Police Department,” he said. 

The new IGP said that disciplinary and legal action will be initiated against Police officers who are found to be linked to crimes and drug activities, adding that if found guilty, they will be suspended from duty. (Newswire)

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Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasooriya, received his letter of appointment from the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat today.

Priyantha Weerasooriya was appointed as the 37th Inspector General of Police by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

This appointment has been made with the approval of the Constitutional Council, per Article 61 E (b) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. 

Priyantha Weerasooriya is the first IGP to have progressed through all three key ranks, Police Constable, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Assistant Superintendent of Police, before assuming the top position. (Newswire)

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Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya says large stocks of narcotics, including heroin, ICE, cocaine, and cannabis, have been seized since the new government assumed power. 

Weerasooriya’s remarks follow the Public Security Minister’s statement on the government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace, made during a special media briefing at the Department of Government Information earlier today.

Large amounts of narcotics were seized during multiple raids conducted from 29 September 2024 to date, the official said. 

“The Police have seized 1,253 kgs of heroin, 2,121 kgs of ICE during joint operations with the Navy, 12,491 kgs of Ganja, 22 kgs of Cocaine, 1.6 million narcotic pills, and 01 million narcotic tablets during this period,” Priyantha Weerasooriya said. 

The Acting IGP announced that the Sri Lanka Police intends to use the Anti-Drug Day, commemorated on 26 June, to address the drug menace in the country. 

He further stated that the drug menace has been identified as a serious issue impacting society and the national economy. 

The Acting IGP said that, as arrests alone will not stop the drug menace, they have resorted to acquiring public support to reduce demand for narcotics in the country.

He said special programmes will be launched on Anti-Drug Day to be commemorated this week, and they intend to create awareness among the public to tackle the issue. (Newswire)

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Building on a consistent track record of supporting national anti-narcotics initiatives and eradicating a national menace, INSEE Ecocycle Lanka (Private) Limited, the leading professional waste management solutions provider, collaborated once more with the Sri Lanka Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) to responsibly dispose of 494.048 kgs of confiscated heroin via co-processing technology.

This marks the fourth collaboration between INSEE Ecocycle and law enforcement authorities for the destruction of such substances, following successful disposals carried out in 2018, 2019, and 2023 totalling approximately 1804 kgs of dangerous drugs.

The disposal, which ensured environmentally safe and secure destruction of the narcotics, was conducted on 28 April at the INSEE Cement Plant located in Puttalam, under the strict supervision of PNB officials and court appointed representatives.

 

 

 

Prior to disposal, the confiscated heroin, seized during national anti-narcotics operations, was rigorously verified by the Government Analyst Department (GAD), NDDCB, and judicial authorities to ensure compliance with legal and safety protocols.

INSEE Cement Sri Lanka Chairman/CEO Nandana Ekanayake explained: “INSEE Cement is the only fully integrated cement manufacturing facility in the country with the required capability to provide this solution. We proudly support the national cause and contribute to building a drug-free nation. Sri Lanka’s only operational Cement Kiln Co-processing facility is in our Puttalam Cement Plant. INSEE Cement has always focused on the Health and Safety of all our stakeholders. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are proud and honoured to extend our support and ensure the safe disposal of harmful substances with utmost care and professionalism.”

Emphasizing the significance of the initiative, Sujith Gunawardena, Director, INSEE Ecocycle, said, “As Sri Lanka’s sole provider of co-processing technology, we are proud to collaborate with the authorities and support this critical effort. We successfully disposed of the confiscated narcotics in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, complying with all the regulations. Co-processing offers a complete destruction solution for hazardous waste at extremely high temperatures, eliminating it without harmful emissions or residual byproducts. It is a cleaner and more sustainable solution than traditional incineration. It is globally accepted as the superior waste management method, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with global best practices for sustainable waste management.”

INSEE Ecocycle played a critical role in the technical evaluation of the feeding mechanism and pre-processing activities, collaborating closely with PNB and NDDCB to guarantee the safe disposal of the hazardous substance. The comprehensive technical evaluation comprised thorough risk assessments and mitigation action plans, addressing environmental, social, health, and safety concerns for the entire pre-processing and co-processing value chain.

Throughout the confiscated heroin disposal process, experts from PNB and NDDCB provided guidance on critical components, including laboratory analyses and procedural adherence, culminating in the secure and transparent destruction of the narcotic substance. The disposal took place using cement kiln co-processing technology, also known as thermal destruction, at temperatures of 1800- 2000 °C with a 4-6 sec residence time and under fully controlled process parameters.

 

INSEE’s co-processing facility satisfies all regulatory requirements and technical standards and is globally adopted for waste management. The facility offers a complete solution with zero harmful emissions to the environment. It has also obtained all required licenses, such as the Environmental Protection License and Scheduled Waste Management License from the Central Environmental Authority and the Provincial Environmental Authority, and certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, ISO 39001, and ISO 45001. With a proud legacy of over two decades, INSEE Ecocycle has managed more than 1.3 million metric tons of industrial waste in collaboration with over 1,000 customers, including multinationals, local conglomerates, corporations, government authorities at central and regional levels, and recycling partners. The partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s circular economy and environmental stewardship.

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A request by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya from the National Police Commission (NPC) to be delegated the responsibility of making OIC appointments, has been rejected by the NPC, with the matter being transferred to the National Constitutional Council (CC). 

The conflict came into the limelight during a media briefing yesterday, during which the Acting IGP accused the Police Commission of interfering with the internal work of the Police Department.

According to the Sunday Times, the IGP claimed that without the necessary powers to do transfers, he was only an IGP in name.

He further clarified that the Attorney General’s opinion had been sought on the matter and they were informed that these are not ‘appointments’ but ‘transfers’, which can be undertaken by the IGP.

According to reports, of the 197 names that were recommended by the Acting IGP for OIC appointments, the NPC has so far approved around 140 names.

A few of the nominated names were withheld due to them lacking the necessary qualifications to hold such a position, it was reported. (Newswire)

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All lawyers will be subject to an inspection before entering court premises going forward, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya said today. 

The Acting IGP made the remarks after inspecting the Hufltsdorp Court Complex in Colombo today, where a shooting was reported inside the court premises this morning, in which underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was killed. 

Preliminary Police investigations have confirmed that a man disguised as a lawyer had carried out the shooting, with CCTV footage also identifying the individual. 

Speaking to reporters at the court complex, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya said the shooting was a result of disputes between organized criminals and drug lords. 

He further said Sri Lanka Police are taking measures to arrest those involved in the underworld and drug-related activities to curtail crime in the nation. 

Pointing out that the suspects had utilised the lack of inspection of lawyers at court premises in today’s shooting, he said steps would be taken to subject lawyers to an inspection before entering court premises.

The Acting IGP said the BAR Association of Sri Lanka has also been requested to cooperate in this regard. 

He added that permission will also be sought from the relevant authorities to enable the deployment of armed officers for security purposes at court premises. (Newswire)

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Senior Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (SDIG) Ajith Rohana and Priyantha Weerasooriya have objected to their recent transfers approved by the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles. 

The objections have been raised in two separate letters addressed to the Chairman of the National Police Commission Chandra Fernando.

In their letters, the two SDIGs point out that the transfers approved by the Public Security Minister are malicious, arbitrary, and unreasonable. 

SDIG Ajith Rohana has pointed out that he was recently reprimanded by the Public Security Minister over social media reports connecting him to the IGP post and was warned of a transfer over the matter. 

In his letter, SDIG Ajith Rohana accused the Public Security Minister of harassing other SDIGs to protect one particular SDIG.

Meanwhile, in his letter, SDIG Priyantha Weerasooriya has accused the Public Security Minister and IGP of having demoted him to a position he had held earlier via the new transfer.

SDIG Weerasooriya further said he has been continuously receiving transfers with which he had complied. 

He further requested the National Police Commission to look into the unreasonable multiple transfers. (NewsWire) 

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