• IGP says new measures aim to improve officers’ health, fitness and efficiency

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasooriya said the Police service records the highest number of officers dying in the line of duty among Sri Lanka’s public services.

He said the Police had introduced several programmes to build a more disciplined, efficient and capable service.

Speaking at an event in the Biyagama area, Weerasooriya said a significant number of police officers fell ill or suffered road accidents during their daily duties. “Looking at the number of officers, a significant number fall ill or are involved in road accidents every day. Even today, two officers have been involved in road accidents. Nearly 200 officers have died while on duty. If you look at the services in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Police has the highest number of officers dying in the line of duty. There are many reasons for this, and we are taking steps to minimise them,” he said.

He added that basic medical equipment kits had been provided to every police station as part of these efforts. The Police are also taking steps to provide physical training equipment at station level to improve officers’ fitness, he added.

The Sri Lanka Police is the country's primary law enforcement agency, responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crime, and ensuring the safety and security of the public. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, the department comprises a number of specialised divisions handling areas including traffic management, narcotics, cybercrime and counter-terrorism.