President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced a wider programme to strengthen and modernise the Sri Lanka Police, including approval to recruit 10,000 new officers, introduce a risk allowance and improve infrastructure, equipment, promotions and training.
The President outlined the measures while addressing the 160th Police Day commemoration at the Police Field Force Headquarters on September 3.
He said a shortage of personnel has placed heavy demands on serving police officers.
According to the President, approval has already been granted to recruit 10,000 new officers to the service.
The recruitment forms part of a wider effort to strengthen police human resources while improving working conditions and operational capacity.
The President also said he expects a risk allowance to be provided to police officers from January, in addition to the next salary increment scheduled for public servants.
Measures are also planned to address long-standing concerns surrounding promotions.
The President said promotion opportunities should not depend solely on seniority and that mechanisms based on merit and examinations should also be available.
He said the backlog of promotions would be addressed in consultation with the Public Service Commission.
The Government is also planning a substantial equipment and infrastructure programme.
According to the President, plans include the purchase of nearly:
- 700 motorcycles
- 200 single-cab vehicles
for police duties.
A further 138 cabs have already been received under Indian assistance.
Funds are also expected to be allocated through the forthcoming Budget for:
- a new Police Headquarters;
- a more suitable building for the Criminal Investigation Department;
- improvements to the Police Hospital;
- accommodation facilities;
- relocation of police stations currently operating from rented premises; and
- official housing for police officers.
The President also said technology and training would form an important part of the modernisation programme.
A new police uniform is expected to be introduced around the middle of 2027.
The proposed uniform is intended to better accommodate equipment required by modern police officers, including items such as body cameras, batons, torches and handcuffs.
Several digital services were also launched during the Police Day programme, including a Police mobile application and an upgraded police website.
The President said the overall objective is to create a more modern and respected police service with adequate personnel, technology, equipment and infrastructure.
Most of these measures are announced, approved or planned initiatives.
Their eventual implementation, timing and expenditure will depend on the relevant recruitment, budgetary and administrative processes.