President Anura Kumarra Dissanayake joined the 160th anniversary commemoration of the Sri Lanka Police at the Thimbirigasyaya Field Force Headquarters this afternoon (03).
He paid tribute to the vital role played by the Sri Lanka Police over the past 160 years, particularly in serving the public and maintaining public peace and security whenever the people of the country have faced disasters and other challenges.
President noted that the foremost responsibility currently entrusted to the Sri Lanka Police, which has dedicated itself to a range of duties across different eras, is to fulfil the national responsibility of combating the illicit drug menace and the criminal gangs associated with it. He called upon all police personnel to regard this not merely as a professional responsibility, but as a broader social responsibility, and to dedicate themselves accordingly.
President also commended the Sri Lanka Police for conducting the highest number of drug raids and arrests in the country over the past two years, as well as for bringing 74 criminals who had been hiding overseas back to Sri Lanka with the assistance of foreign governments. He emphasised that every effort would be made to provide the necessary legislation and infrastructure to transform the country from a criminal state into a peaceful state and that we would not hesitate to introduce even constitutional amendments if necessary.
President Disanayake also stated that a proper promotion scheme would be introduced to transform the Sri Lanka Police into a highly respected service. He noted that a new uniform is expected to be provided by the middle of next year, while steps will also be taken to provide a risk allowance, develop the necessary infrastructure and undertake the required recruitment.
