Thirty-six officers of the Maldives Police Service have commenced an eight-week Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training programme in Sri Lanka, conducted by the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF).
The training programme will run from November 2 to December 31, 2026, marking its resumption after a 13-year gap.
The programme aims to enhance the officers’ tactical competencies, operational capabilities and law enforcement knowledge through specialised training and practical experience provided by the Sri Lanka Police STF.
The initiative reflects the longstanding friendship and close security cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while strengthening professional capacity-building between the two countries.
A ceremony was held on October 29 ahead of the officers’ departure to Sri Lanka, attended by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the Maldives Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, Maldives Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed, Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikry and other senior police officials.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Hassen highlighted the expertise and experience of the Sri Lanka Police STF in SWAT operations and expressed appreciation to Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya and Acting STF Commandant DIG Roy Sumanawardena for facilitating the resumption of the programme.
He also wished the 36 participating officers success in their training programme.
