On 27 January 1881, a team of Police officers participated in a rugby union game at the Kew Gardens Park in Malay Street, Colombo. In 1891, a team from the Pettah Police Station played a rugby match, getting itself etched in the history books of Ceylon’s sporting chronicles.
Promoted to the top division in 1967, Police made it to the Clifford Cup finals, where they lost to Havies. They subsequently won their maiden Clifford Cup in 1970 under Abdul Majeed, drawing in the final 6-6 with Havelocks.
Police Sports Club (SC) won their maiden league title under the legendary Charles Wijewardena a.k.a. King Charles in 1979. The Cops went on to win six consecutive leagues from 1984-’89.
In 1989, they enjoyed their most decorated season under former Additional Director of the State Intelligence Service and Deputy Inspector General (Retd) Hafeez Marso; they clinched the triple crown in ’89, including League, Sevens, and the Clifford Cup.
At the end of Round 1 in 1990, Police SC were table-toppers but had to withdraw due to the war. In 1991 under Hemantha Yatawara they were crowned double champs; their last league title came that year.
For the past 34 years, Police Park has been yearning for league glory, a longing that will continue for the 35th year as the Cops play in the Plate Championship in the ongoing league after a heartbreaking Round 1, which saw many close losses denying them a spot in the Cup.
Last season – 2023/’24
Coached and captained by the same duo as this season, the Cops had a special addition in Dulanjana ‘Dula’ Wijesinghe, who participated as both a player and Coach (forwards). Winning five out of 10, they finished on a rather satisfactory note at fourth place in the league behind champions CR, Kandy, and Havies.
However, their best moment came in the Clifford Cup Knockouts, as they pulled off the biggest upset to beat league champions CR 40-16 in the semi-finals before going on to taste championship glory after 33 long years, beating Havelocks 19-12 in the finals.
Police SC performance so far – 2024/’25
Round 1
Week 1: Lost to Army 8-5
Week 2: Lost to CH & FC 39-27
Week 3: Lost to Havelocks 17-15
Week 4: Beat Navy 23-20
Week 5: Lost to Air Force 20-19
Week 6: Lost to CR & FC 40-20
Week 7: Lost to Kandy 43-22
Week 8: Beat Sri Lions 28-10