Sri Lanka’s Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting police officers dedicated to combating crime in the country. Speaking at an awards ceremony in Colombo, Weerasooriya emphasized the importance of ensuring both the safety and recognition of officers working to curb organized crime.
“We are committed to providing necessary protection and recognizing the service of officers who are dedicated to cracking down on organized crime,” Weerasooriya stated.
The ceremony saw over 24 million rupees in cash prizes and 25 commendations awarded to 140 police officers for their significant contributions to crime resolution. These awards are part of a broader initiative to encourage and appreciate the hard work of the police force.
“We anticipate further encouraging our officers by organizing events to present awards and prizes,” Weerasooriya added, explaining that cash prizes are distributed following a comprehensive selection process. The President’s recent announcement to reward officers involved in major raids will continue in future operations.
Addressing the human resources shortage within the Sri Lanka Police, Weerasooriya mentioned that the government has provided facilities to address these issues. He also noted that both the President and the Minister have responded positively to the force’s needs.
“We will always stand by our officers who dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety and security of the public,” Weerasooriya concluded.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravi Seneviratne, and other officials.