Sri Lanka Police Service
Encyclopedia
The Sri Lanka Police Service (commonly known to as the Sri Lanka Police) is the civilian national police
force of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The police force has a manpower of approximately 85,000. It is responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout Sri Lanka. The professional head of the police is the Inspector General of Police
who reports to the minister of defense, when the Police service in under the Ministry of Defence
as it is currently. The current Inspector General of Police
is N.K. Illangakoon.
In recent years with the Sri Lankan civil war
, the police service has become an integral part of maintaining of the nation's security, with primarily focusing on internal security. Many police officers have been killed in the line of duty mainly due to terrorist attacks. Specially trained commando
/counter-terrorist
unit named Special Task Force
, are regularly deployed in joint operations with the armed forces for counter-terrorism operations, VVIP protection, and the police command structure in Northern and Eastern provinces is closely integrated with the other security organizations under the authority of the Joint Operations Command.
In case of emergency, any civilian in Sri Lanka can reach the police by dialing 119 from any telephone or sending e-mail to policepolice.lk.
1806 :- The regulation No. 6 of 1806, appointed a Vidane Arachchi
to each village, for prevention and detection of crime in rural area.
1832: - A committee appointed by the governor was instructed to form a police force. It was decided by this committee that this new police force was to be funded by a tax to be paid by the public. It consisted of One Superintendent, One Chief Constable, Five Constables, Ten Sergeants and 150 Peons. They were responsible for maintaining law and order in the capital city of Colombo.
1844: - As the police force was restricted to coastal areas only , a second police force was created to cater to the hill country.
1858: - The police force in the coastal area and the Police force in the hill country were unified to make one Police force.
1864: - The first death of a police officer whilst on duty occurred when he attempted to apprehend a brigand by the name of "Saradiel" who was subsequently compared to "Robin Hood
" of "sherwood forest".
1865: - The Police Ordinance was enacted to stipulate powers and responsibilities of policemen.
1866: - Mr. "William Robert Campbell" then the chief of police in the Indian province of Rathnageri, was appointed as Chief Superintendent of Police in Sri Lanka to be in charge of the Police Force on 03.09.1866. Therefore, the 3rd of September 1866 is considered as the beginning of Sri Lanka Police Service.
1867: - The Chief of Police was designated as the Inspector General of Police
Accordingly Mr. "William Robert Campbell
" became the first Inspector General of Police . The Police Headquarters was found at Maradana, in the City of Colombo.
1870: - Muslim rioters attacked The Police Headquarters. The Police were successful in repulsing the attack, but the building of the Police Headquarters was damaged. In this year the Criminal Investigations Department
(CID) was formed.
1879: - The strength of the Police force had tripled from 585 when IGP Campbell was appointed, to a force of 1528. The first police firing range, training college and the publishing of the annual administration report emerged during this year.
1892: - The Depot Police presently known as the Field Force Headquarters was formed. Uniforms and housing were made free for Police officers as well as the payment of a Good Conduct Allowance was initiated.
1908: - Finger printing and photographing of criminals were initiated along with the direct recruitment to the rank of Assistant Superintendents of Police during this year.
1913: - Mr. Herbert Layard Dowbiggin
was appointed as the 8th Inspector General of Police. 119 Police stations were in operation with a total strength of 2306.
1915: - For the first time two officers were appointed as Deputy Inspectors General of Police .
1916: - 0.22 Caliber rifles were issued in place of shotguns.
1920: - For the first time police officers were deployed for the purpose of controlling traffic
1923: - A book containing comprehensive details regarding all aspects of the Police called the "Departmental Order Book" was formulated.
1926: - The Sport Division was established.
1930: - A handbook of traffic rules and regulations was issued for traffic duties.
1932: - The Police Headquarters was shifted from Maradana to its present location in Colombo Fort.
1938: - Police telephone boxes were deployed throughout the city of Colombo.
1942: - Temporary forces were employed, known as Temporary Police Constables.
1945: - Police units were deployed at all hospitals. In addition Police units were also deployed for Railway security. However the following year, the Railway Police force was discontinued as a necessity did not arise.
1952: - Women were enrolled to the Police force for the first time. VHF Radios were introduced for communication. It was decided that in honour of police officers killed in the line of duty state funerals with full police honours would be held. In addition the Police flag would be flown at half mast throughout the country.
1954: - Police stations were graded into five classifications viz. Grade "E" to Grade "A" . The grading of Police stations were considered depending on the work load , population, locality , crimes , important Institutions etc., in the area.
1963: - Divisions in the Police were made as North, Central, South, Administration & Criminal Investigation Department. Mr. D. B. I. P. S. Siriwardane, a Civil servant was the first civilian to be appointed as the Deputy Inspector of Police in charge of Administration.
1966: - The Police Public Relations Division was established on 1'st October 1966, at Police Headquarters, Colombo.
1969: - The establishment of the Tourist Police and the Illicit Immigration sector, in March 1969.
1972: - The Crime Detective Bureau was started on 1'st August 1972.
1973: -On the15th of August 1973 the Police Narcotics Bureau was started and The Colombo Fraud Investigation Bureau too was established.
1974: - The Police uniforms for Constables and Sergeants was changed.
1976: - The rank of Woman Police Sub Inspector was introduced. 2 Women police officers were promoted to the rank of Sub Inspector.
1978: - Establishment of The Police Higher Training Institute.
1979: - The Children & Women Bureau was established.
1983: - Establishment of The Police Special Task Force
.
1985: - A new promotion scheme was introduced from the rank of Police Constable up to the rank of Inspector of Police.
1988: - A Woman Police Inspector was promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police
1989: - Women were recruited and enlisted as Sub Inspectors.
1991: - The Sri Lanka Police celebrated 125 years of Policing in Sri Lanka.
1993: - The Police Information Technology Division was established.
1998: - The Marine Division was established.
1999: - The Ombudsman Division was established.
2000 - The Police Examination Division was established.
2002: - The Police Human right Division was established.
2002: - The Disappearances Investigation Unit was established.
2004: - The Judicial Security Division was established.
2005: - The Colombo Crime Division was established.
2006: - The Reserve police force was abolished & its officers transferred to the regular police force.
2008: - Police Academy was established in 2008 with the amalgamation of the Police Higher Training Institute and the In-Service Training Division which are now Divisions of the Sri Lanka Police Academy.
, who has in theory autonomy to commanding the service from the Police Headquarters, Colombo and support by the Police Field Force Headquarters, Colombo. However for in the resent past the Police Service has come under the purview of the Ministry of Defence
(MoD) with exception of a several years when it came under the Ministry of Internal Affairs but was transferred to the MoD. In the last few years there has been calls to reestablish the independent National Police Commission to oversee transfers and promotions, thereby making the service autonomous and free from any influence.
The police service is organized in to five primary geographic commands, known as ranges (Range I, II, III, IV, V), covering the northern, western, eastern and southern sectors of the island under the command of a Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG). The ranges were subdivided into divisions, districts, and police station
s, Colombo was designated as a special range. Each police division headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) covers a single province
and a police district headed by a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) covers a single district
of the country. In 1974 there were a total of 260 police stations throughout the country and as of 2007 there are more than 2,000.
With the escalation of the Sri Lankan Civil War
the strength and the number of stations have increased. Since 1971 the police service has suffered large number of casualties, with officers and constables killed and wounded as a result of terrorist and insurgents. In more remote rural areas beyond the immediate range of existing police stations, enforcement of simple crimes are carried out by the Grama Seva Niladhari (village service officers), but this has now become rare with most villages covered by newer by police stations.
In addition to its regular forces, the police service operated a reserve contingent until 2007 when the Reserve Police Force was disbanded and its personnel transferred to the regular police force. The police service has a number of specialized units responsible for investigative
, protective
, counter-terrorism
and paramilitary
functions.
Investigation of organized criminal activity and detective work are handled by the Criminal Investigation Department
(CID) under the command of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). More coordinated threats to internal security, such as that posed by the radical Sinhalese JVP
in 1980's were the responsibility of the Counter Subversive Division, which was primarily an investigative division, it has since been replaced by the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID). The TID carries out counter-terrorism
investigations and threats to internal security from the LTTE.
Protective security units which are entrusted the security includes the Ministerial Security Division (elected public figures), Diplomatic Security Division (foreign diplomats) and Judicial Security Division (Judges). President's Security Division and the Prime Minister's Security Division functions independently but consists of mostly police personnel.
Other specialized units includes the Information Technology Division, the Mounted Division, the Anti-riot Squad, Traffic Police, K9 units, the Marine Division, the Police Narcotic Bureau and the Children & Women Bureau. The police service also operates the Sri Lanka Police Collegehttp://www.police.lk/divisions/slpc.asp of personnel training and the Police Hospital, Colombo.
Special Task Force
Special Task Force, is one of special operational units in the Police Service. The Special Task Force is a police para military force. It was set up on March 1, 1983 with the assistance of foreign advisers (primarily former British
Special Air Service
personnel under the auspicious of Keeny Meeny Services). Its 1,100-member force was organized into 7 companies and trained in counterinsurgency techniques. It played a major role in the government's combined force operations against the Tamil Tigers in Eastern Province before July 1987. Following the signing of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, the Special Task Force was re designated the Police Special Force, and deployed in Southern Province, where it immediately went into action against the JVP terrorists. Companies of the force also served in rotation as part of the presidential security guard.
Internal Intelligence
Until 1984 the police were responsible for national (local) intelligence functions, first under the Special Branch (est. 1966 as part of the CID), and later under the Intelligence Services Division. The perceived failure of the Intelligence Services Division during the riots of July 1983 led the J.R. Jayawardene government to reevaluate the nation's intelligence network, and in 1984 the president set up a National Intelligence Bureau
. The new organization combined intelligence units from the army, navy, air force, and police. It was headed by a deputy inspector general of police who reported directly to the Ministry of Defence
.
Counter-Terrorist units
Crime-Investigation units
Law enforcement
Support units
Technology Infrastructure
Gazetted Officers
Senior gazetted officers
Junior Gazetted Officers
Composition of the Police Service
Since it establishment in the 19th century the Police Service has been a centrally controlled national police force. Due to this its personnel are not recruited and deployed provincially. During the colonial period much of its senior officers were British
, with lower ranks made up of natives. However this composition did not mirror the racial composition of the island. Many of the locals in the Ceylon Police Force were Burgher
s, followed by Sinhalese
and Tamils. This was much common in the government sector and continued until in mid 1950's. Following political efforts balance the racial composition of the police service to mirror that of the society and due to the civil war
the composition has become imbalanced once again with majority of the officers being Sinhalese
. Currently steps are being taken to address this and personnel of all entry levels are requited from all racial groups of the island.
. Khaki uniforms were adapted by the beginning of the 20th century for practical reasons along with other military and police units of the British Empire
. This was common for all ranks with the constables wearing Khaki tunics, shorts and hat while always armed with a baton
until 1974.
Current standard of uniforms comes from the last major changers made in 1974, however several additions have been made since then for practical reasons. The old white uniform still remain as the full-dress uniform
of Gazetted Officer
s, only worn for ceremonial occasions. This includes white tunic; trousers (or skirt); medals; adorned with black epaulette
s with ran insignia, a black leather cross belt with the lion head badge with whistle and chain, police badge affixed black leather pouch and sword with a white coloured pith helmet
. Senior gazetted officers may wear a waist sash in gold colour instead of cross belt. Mounted officers wear a red tunic for ceremonial occasions with a gold cross belt, a black custodian helmet
, gazetted officers carry swords and constables carry lances with a police pennant
.
No.01 khaki uniform is worn for most formal occasions. No.01 khaki uniform consists of a khaki jacket adorned with black epaulette
s (for gazetted officer), white shirt, black tie with khaki trousers or a skirt, black coloured peaked cap
and medals. No.02 khaki uniform is the normal working uniform of all police officers. No.1 khaki uniform consists of a khaki shirt (both long sleeve or short sleeve), with khaki trousers or a skirt, black coloured peaked cap
and medals ribbons. Senior gazetted officers of and above the grade of superintendent wear black "gorget patches
" on all types of uniforms. Gazetted officers tend to wear a short sleeve tunic like "bush jacket" as part of their No.02 khaki uniform. Black sam browne belt
s are worn by gazetted officers with traffic policemen wearing white coloured peak caps and the white belt with sam browne belt
s on their khaki uniforms. Constables and sergeants wear their service number on their uniform. For practical reasons overalls of green or black may be worn with boots when necessory.
Special Task Force
personnel usually wear khaki uniforms which are a bit lighter in colour. They tend to wear a camouflage uniform with boots and bright green coloured beret.
with its wide rang of duties is equipped with a greater variety of firearms and a higher degree of fire power to carry out military type Counter-terrorism
operations.
Handguns
Assault Rifles
Sub-Machine guns
Sniper Rifles
Grenade launchers
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
force of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The police force has a manpower of approximately 85,000. It is responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout Sri Lanka. The professional head of the police is the Inspector General of Police
Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)
The Inspector General of Police is the professional head of the Sri Lanka Police. He is the most senior police officer in Sri Lanka and oversees all police personnel throughout the country. The IGP reports to the minister of defense, when the Police Service is under the Ministry of Defence as it...
who reports to the minister of defense, when the Police service in under the Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)
The Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order is the Sri Lankan government ministry responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces....
as it is currently. The current Inspector General of Police
Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)
The Inspector General of Police is the professional head of the Sri Lanka Police. He is the most senior police officer in Sri Lanka and oversees all police personnel throughout the country. The IGP reports to the minister of defense, when the Police Service is under the Ministry of Defence as it...
is N.K. Illangakoon.
In recent years with the Sri Lankan civil war
Sri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
, the police service has become an integral part of maintaining of the nation's security, with primarily focusing on internal security. Many police officers have been killed in the line of duty mainly due to terrorist attacks. Specially trained commando
Commando
In English, the term commando means a specific kind of individual soldier or military unit. In contemporary usage, commando usually means elite light infantry and/or special operations forces units, specializing in amphibious landings, parachuting, rappelling and similar techniques, to conduct and...
/counter-terrorist
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
unit named Special Task Force
Special Task Force
The Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
, are regularly deployed in joint operations with the armed forces for counter-terrorism operations, VVIP protection, and the police command structure in Northern and Eastern provinces is closely integrated with the other security organizations under the authority of the Joint Operations Command.
In case of emergency, any civilian in Sri Lanka can reach the police by dialing 119 from any telephone or sending e-mail to policepolice.lk.
Roles
- Law enforcement
- Fighting crimeCrimeCrime is the breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction...
. - Carrying out investigations.
- Drug enforcement.
- Fighting crime
- Security
- Keeping public security.
- Maintaining public order.
- Counter-terrorismCounter-terrorismCounter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
. - Securing public events, rallies and holidays.
- Riot control / crowd control.
- Intelligence Services.
- Providing VIP security (VVIP security is handled by the Special Task ForceSpecial Task ForceThe Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
). - Handling suspicious objects and Bomb disposalBomb disposalBomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
(EODEODEOD may refer to:* Explosive Ordnance Disposal, the disposal of bombs* End Of Day, a financial markets term* Evolve Or Die, A Political Party, started in Montana, with the beliefs that humanity must move forward or die out...
) (handled by the Special Task ForceSpecial Task ForceThe Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
). - Handling the local command of the Home Guard.
- Assisting the Prison ServiceDepartment of Prisons (Sri Lanka)The Department of Prisons is a non-ministerial government department in Sri Lanka responsible for the incarceration and rehabilitation of convicted criminal offenders and terror suspects in Sri Lanka, it comes under purview of the Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms...
in prisoner transport and control of prison unrest.
- Traffic control
- Coordinating emergency services
- Police and community
- Handling civilian complaints.
- Handling youth violence and crime.
- Educating the community and participating in educational campaigns.
- Providing ceremonial escorts to the President, the Prime minister and foreign ambassadors on state functions.
- Assist and coordinate community policing.
History
1797 :- The office of Fiscal was created and Fredric Barron Mylius was appointed as Fiscal of Colombo and entrusted with responsibility of policing the City of Colombo.1806 :- The regulation No. 6 of 1806, appointed a Vidane Arachchi
Vidane Arachchi
Vidane Arachchi or Vidane was the post of village policemen in British Ceylon. Under the regulation No. 6 of 1806, the Government Agent of the district appointed a Vidane to each village, for prevention and detection of crime in rural area...
to each village, for prevention and detection of crime in rural area.
1832: - A committee appointed by the governor was instructed to form a police force. It was decided by this committee that this new police force was to be funded by a tax to be paid by the public. It consisted of One Superintendent, One Chief Constable, Five Constables, Ten Sergeants and 150 Peons. They were responsible for maintaining law and order in the capital city of Colombo.
1844: - As the police force was restricted to coastal areas only , a second police force was created to cater to the hill country.
1858: - The police force in the coastal area and the Police force in the hill country were unified to make one Police force.
1864: - The first death of a police officer whilst on duty occurred when he attempted to apprehend a brigand by the name of "Saradiel" who was subsequently compared to "Robin Hood
Robin Hood
Robin Hood was a heroic outlaw in English folklore. A highly skilled archer and swordsman, he is known for "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor", assisted by a group of fellow outlaws known as his "Merry Men". Traditionally, Robin Hood and his men are depicted wearing Lincoln green clothes....
" of "sherwood forest".
1865: - The Police Ordinance was enacted to stipulate powers and responsibilities of policemen.
1866: - Mr. "William Robert Campbell" then the chief of police in the Indian province of Rathnageri, was appointed as Chief Superintendent of Police in Sri Lanka to be in charge of the Police Force on 03.09.1866. Therefore, the 3rd of September 1866 is considered as the beginning of Sri Lanka Police Service.
1867: - The Chief of Police was designated as the Inspector General of Police
Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)
The Inspector General of Police is the professional head of the Sri Lanka Police. He is the most senior police officer in Sri Lanka and oversees all police personnel throughout the country. The IGP reports to the minister of defense, when the Police Service is under the Ministry of Defence as it...
Accordingly Mr. "William Robert Campbell
William Robert Campbell
Sir William Robert Campbell was the first British colonial Inspector General of Police of Ceylon . After serving as chief of police in the Indian province of Rathnageri, he was appointed as Chief Superintendent of Police in Ceylon to be in charge of the Police Force on September 3, 1866...
" became the first Inspector General of Police . The Police Headquarters was found at Maradana, in the City of Colombo.
1870: - Muslim rioters attacked The Police Headquarters. The Police were successful in repulsing the attack, but the building of the Police Headquarters was damaged. In this year the Criminal Investigations Department
Criminal Investigation Department (Sri Lanka)
The Criminal Investigation Department of the Sri Lanka Police Service is responsible for carrying out investigations throughout the island into serious crimes, including murders, rape and organized crime cases of a very serious nature that require special skills and complex detection...
(CID) was formed.
1879: - The strength of the Police force had tripled from 585 when IGP Campbell was appointed, to a force of 1528. The first police firing range, training college and the publishing of the annual administration report emerged during this year.
1892: - The Depot Police presently known as the Field Force Headquarters was formed. Uniforms and housing were made free for Police officers as well as the payment of a Good Conduct Allowance was initiated.
1908: - Finger printing and photographing of criminals were initiated along with the direct recruitment to the rank of Assistant Superintendents of Police during this year.
1913: - Mr. Herbert Layard Dowbiggin
Herbert Dowbiggin
Sir Herbert Layard Dowbiggin, C.M.G. was the British colonial Inspector General of Police of British Ceylon from 1913 to 1937, the longest tenure of office of an Inspector General of Police . He was called the 'Father of Colonial Police'.-Antecedents:Dowbiggin was the sixth child of Rev....
was appointed as the 8th Inspector General of Police. 119 Police stations were in operation with a total strength of 2306.
1915: - For the first time two officers were appointed as Deputy Inspectors General of Police .
1916: - 0.22 Caliber rifles were issued in place of shotguns.
1920: - For the first time police officers were deployed for the purpose of controlling traffic
1923: - A book containing comprehensive details regarding all aspects of the Police called the "Departmental Order Book" was formulated.
1926: - The Sport Division was established.
1930: - A handbook of traffic rules and regulations was issued for traffic duties.
1932: - The Police Headquarters was shifted from Maradana to its present location in Colombo Fort.
1938: - Police telephone boxes were deployed throughout the city of Colombo.
1942: - Temporary forces were employed, known as Temporary Police Constables.
1945: - Police units were deployed at all hospitals. In addition Police units were also deployed for Railway security. However the following year, the Railway Police force was discontinued as a necessity did not arise.
1952: - Women were enrolled to the Police force for the first time. VHF Radios were introduced for communication. It was decided that in honour of police officers killed in the line of duty state funerals with full police honours would be held. In addition the Police flag would be flown at half mast throughout the country.
1954: - Police stations were graded into five classifications viz. Grade "E" to Grade "A" . The grading of Police stations were considered depending on the work load , population, locality , crimes , important Institutions etc., in the area.
1963: - Divisions in the Police were made as North, Central, South, Administration & Criminal Investigation Department. Mr. D. B. I. P. S. Siriwardane, a Civil servant was the first civilian to be appointed as the Deputy Inspector of Police in charge of Administration.
1966: - The Police Public Relations Division was established on 1'st October 1966, at Police Headquarters, Colombo.
1969: - The establishment of the Tourist Police and the Illicit Immigration sector, in March 1969.
1972: - The Crime Detective Bureau was started on 1'st August 1972.
1973: -On the15th of August 1973 the Police Narcotics Bureau was started and The Colombo Fraud Investigation Bureau too was established.
1974: - The Police uniforms for Constables and Sergeants was changed.
1976: - The rank of Woman Police Sub Inspector was introduced. 2 Women police officers were promoted to the rank of Sub Inspector.
1978: - Establishment of The Police Higher Training Institute.
1979: - The Children & Women Bureau was established.
1983: - Establishment of The Police Special Task Force
Special Task Force
The Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
.
1985: - A new promotion scheme was introduced from the rank of Police Constable up to the rank of Inspector of Police.
1988: - A Woman Police Inspector was promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police
1989: - Women were recruited and enlisted as Sub Inspectors.
1991: - The Sri Lanka Police celebrated 125 years of Policing in Sri Lanka.
1993: - The Police Information Technology Division was established.
1998: - The Marine Division was established.
1999: - The Ombudsman Division was established.
2000 - The Police Examination Division was established.
2002: - The Police Human right Division was established.
2002: - The Disappearances Investigation Unit was established.
2004: - The Judicial Security Division was established.
2005: - The Colombo Crime Division was established.
2006: - The Reserve police force was abolished & its officers transferred to the regular police force.
2008: - Police Academy was established in 2008 with the amalgamation of the Police Higher Training Institute and the In-Service Training Division which are now Divisions of the Sri Lanka Police Academy.
Organization
The Sri Lanka Police is headed by the Inspector General of PoliceInspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)
The Inspector General of Police is the professional head of the Sri Lanka Police. He is the most senior police officer in Sri Lanka and oversees all police personnel throughout the country. The IGP reports to the minister of defense, when the Police Service is under the Ministry of Defence as it...
, who has in theory autonomy to commanding the service from the Police Headquarters, Colombo and support by the Police Field Force Headquarters, Colombo. However for in the resent past the Police Service has come under the purview of the Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)
The Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order is the Sri Lankan government ministry responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces....
(MoD) with exception of a several years when it came under the Ministry of Internal Affairs but was transferred to the MoD. In the last few years there has been calls to reestablish the independent National Police Commission to oversee transfers and promotions, thereby making the service autonomous and free from any influence.
The police service is organized in to five primary geographic commands, known as ranges (Range I, II, III, IV, V), covering the northern, western, eastern and southern sectors of the island under the command of a Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG). The ranges were subdivided into divisions, districts, and police station
Police station
A police station or station house is a building which serves to accommodate police officers and other members of staff. These buildings often contain offices and accommodation for personnel and vehicles, along with locker rooms, temporary holding cells and interview/interrogation rooms.- Facilities...
s, Colombo was designated as a special range. Each police division headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) covers a single province
Provinces of Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, provinces are the first level administrative division. They were first established by the British rulers of Ceylon in 1833. Over the next century most of the administrative functions were transferred to the districts, the second level administrative division. By the middle of the...
and a police district headed by a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) covers a single district
Districts of Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, districts are the second-level administrative divisions, and are included in a province. There are 25 districts organized into 9 provinces. Each district is administered under a District Secretary, who is appointed by the central government...
of the country. In 1974 there were a total of 260 police stations throughout the country and as of 2007 there are more than 2,000.
With the escalation of the Sri Lankan Civil War
Sri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
the strength and the number of stations have increased. Since 1971 the police service has suffered large number of casualties, with officers and constables killed and wounded as a result of terrorist and insurgents. In more remote rural areas beyond the immediate range of existing police stations, enforcement of simple crimes are carried out by the Grama Seva Niladhari (village service officers), but this has now become rare with most villages covered by newer by police stations.
In addition to its regular forces, the police service operated a reserve contingent until 2007 when the Reserve Police Force was disbanded and its personnel transferred to the regular police force. The police service has a number of specialized units responsible for investigative
Detective
A detective is an investigator, either a member of a police agency or a private person. The latter may be known as private investigators or "private eyes"...
, protective
Protective security units
Protective security units typically provide policing, security, intelligence and bodyguard services for Sovereigns and Politicians. They can be contrasted with security services which provide protective security intelligence such as Protective security units typically provide policing, security,...
, counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
and paramilitary
Paramilitary
A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state's formal armed forces....
functions.
Investigation of organized criminal activity and detective work are handled by the Criminal Investigation Department
Criminal Investigation Department (Sri Lanka)
The Criminal Investigation Department of the Sri Lanka Police Service is responsible for carrying out investigations throughout the island into serious crimes, including murders, rape and organized crime cases of a very serious nature that require special skills and complex detection...
(CID) under the command of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). More coordinated threats to internal security, such as that posed by the radical Sinhalese JVP
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna
The Janathā Vimukthi Peramuṇa is a Marxist-Leninist, Communist political party in Sri Lanka. The party was involved in two armed uprisings against the ruling governments in 1971 and 1987-89...
in 1980's were the responsibility of the Counter Subversive Division, which was primarily an investigative division, it has since been replaced by the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID). The TID carries out counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
investigations and threats to internal security from the LTTE.
Protective security units which are entrusted the security includes the Ministerial Security Division (elected public figures), Diplomatic Security Division (foreign diplomats) and Judicial Security Division (Judges). President's Security Division and the Prime Minister's Security Division functions independently but consists of mostly police personnel.
Other specialized units includes the Information Technology Division, the Mounted Division, the Anti-riot Squad, Traffic Police, K9 units, the Marine Division, the Police Narcotic Bureau and the Children & Women Bureau. The police service also operates the Sri Lanka Police Collegehttp://www.police.lk/divisions/slpc.asp of personnel training and the Police Hospital, Colombo.
Special Task Force
Special Task Force, is one of special operational units in the Police Service. The Special Task Force is a police para military force. It was set up on March 1, 1983 with the assistance of foreign advisers (primarily former British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
Special Air Service
Special Air Service
Special Air Service or SAS is a corps of the British Army constituted on 31 May 1950. They are part of the United Kingdom Special Forces and have served as a model for the special forces of many other countries all over the world...
personnel under the auspicious of Keeny Meeny Services). Its 1,100-member force was organized into 7 companies and trained in counterinsurgency techniques. It played a major role in the government's combined force operations against the Tamil Tigers in Eastern Province before July 1987. Following the signing of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, the Special Task Force was re designated the Police Special Force, and deployed in Southern Province, where it immediately went into action against the JVP terrorists. Companies of the force also served in rotation as part of the presidential security guard.
Internal Intelligence
Until 1984 the police were responsible for national (local) intelligence functions, first under the Special Branch (est. 1966 as part of the CID), and later under the Intelligence Services Division. The perceived failure of the Intelligence Services Division during the riots of July 1983 led the J.R. Jayawardene government to reevaluate the nation's intelligence network, and in 1984 the president set up a National Intelligence Bureau
National Intelligence Bureau
The State Intelligence Service is an intelligence agency of the Sri Lankan government. It is tasked with both internal and external intelligence...
. The new organization combined intelligence units from the army, navy, air force, and police. It was headed by a deputy inspector general of police who reported directly to the Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)
The Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order is the Sri Lankan government ministry responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces....
.
Specialized units and Divisions
Protective units- President's Security DivisionPresident's Security DivisionPresident's Security Division is a unit of the Sri Lanka Police charged with the close protection of the President of Sri Lanka. It is headed by a gazetted officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police . Until 2008 the until controlled army personal attached to President's protection,...
- Prime Minister's Security DivisionPrime Minister's Security DivisionPrime Minister's Security Division is a unit of the Sri Lanka Police charged with the close protection of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. It is headed by a gazetted officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police...
- Ministerial Security Division
- Parliament Police Division
- Judicial Security Division
- Diplomatic Security Division
Counter-Terrorist units
- Special Task ForceSpecial Task ForceThe Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
(STF) - Terrorist Investigation Department (TID)
Crime-Investigation units
- Criminal Investigation DepartmentCriminal Investigation Department (Sri Lanka)The Criminal Investigation Department of the Sri Lanka Police Service is responsible for carrying out investigations throughout the island into serious crimes, including murders, rape and organized crime cases of a very serious nature that require special skills and complex detection...
(CIDCriminal Investigation Department (Sri Lanka)The Criminal Investigation Department of the Sri Lanka Police Service is responsible for carrying out investigations throughout the island into serious crimes, including murders, rape and organized crime cases of a very serious nature that require special skills and complex detection...
) - Colombo Crime Division
- Police Narcotic Bureau
- Children & Women Bureau
- Human Rights Division
Law enforcement
- Traffic PoliceTraffic Police (Sri Lanka)The Traffic Police is a specialized unit of the Sri Lanka Police responsible for overseeing and enforcing traffic safety compliance on roads and highways. It is headed by the Director of Traffic, in recent times a senior gazetted officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police...
- Tourist Police
- Police Kennels (K9 units)
- Ombudsman Division
- Strategic Development Division (community policing)
Support units
- Mounted DivisionSri Lanka Police Mounted DivisionThe Sri Lanka Police Mounted Division is the mounted division the Sri Lanka Police. The responsibility of the division is to conduct safe policing of crowd control at large public order events and provide ceremonial escorts...
- Marine Division
- Sri Lanka Police AcademySri Lanka Police AcademyThe Sri Lanka Police Academy is the central training institution for police recruits and police officers in Sri Lanka. It is located in Dehiwala, approximately 11 km south of Colombo City...
- Police Examination Division
- Police Hospital, Colombo
Technology Infrastructure
- Police Information Technology Division http://www.police.lk/divisions/it_new.asp
- Police Communication Division
- Police CCTV Division
- Police Tell IGP Unit http://www.police.lk/index.html
- Police 119 Call Center
Peacekeeping & International deployments
In resent years members of the Sri Lanka Police have taken part in international deployments either as advisers, observers or seconded police officers for United Nations missions. These include;- Since 2002, Sri Lankan Police personnel have taken part in several United Nations Peace Keeping Missions world wide;
- United Nations Mission of Support to East TimorUnited Nations Mission of Support to East TimorThe United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor was established on 20 May 2002, the same day which East Timor became an internationally recognized independent state and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor came to an end.Military and police forces from contributing...
- United Nations Stabilization Mission in HaitiUnited Nations Stabilization Mission in HaitiThe United Nations Stabilisation Mission In Haiti , also known as MINUSTAH, an acronym of the French translation, is a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti that has been in operation since 2004. The mission's military component is led by the Brazilian Army and the force commander is...
- United Nations Mission in SudanUnited Nations Mission in SudanThe United Nations Mission in the Sudan was established by the UN Security Council under Resolution 1590 of 24 March 2005, in response to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the government of the Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement on January 9, 2005 in Nairobi,...
- United Nations Mission in LiberiaUnited Nations Mission in LiberiaThe United Nations Mission in Liberia is a peace-keeping force established in September 2003 to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia following the resignation of President Charles Taylor and the conclusion of the Second Liberian Civil War....
.
- United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor
- Special Task ForceSpecial Task ForceThe Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
personnel have been assisting the Chinese policePeople's Armed PoliceThe People's Armed Police , officially Chinese People's Armed Police Force is a paramilitary or gendarmerie force primarily responsible for civilian policing and fire rescue duties in the People's Republic of China, as well as provide support to PLA during wartime.In contrast to public security...
for the 2008 Beijing Olympics in dealing with possible terrorist threats.
Gazetted OfficersGazetted officerA gazetted officer is a police officer in the Sri Lanka Police Service whose name is published in the Sri Lankan Government gazette. As such, they are similar to commissioned officers in the armed forces....
Senior gazetted officers
- Inspector General of PoliceInspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)The Inspector General of Police is the professional head of the Sri Lanka Police. He is the most senior police officer in Sri Lanka and oversees all police personnel throughout the country. The IGP reports to the minister of defense, when the Police Service is under the Ministry of Defence as it...
(IGP) - Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG)
- Deputy Inspector General of PoliceDeputy Inspector General of PoliceA deputy inspector general of police is a high ranking senior police officer in several countries.- India :Deputy inspector general of police or additional commissioner of police is a one-star rank in the Indian Police Service...
(DIG) - Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
- SuperintendentSuperintendent (police)Superintendent , often shortened to "super", is a rank in British police services and in most English-speaking Commonwealth nations. In many Commonwealth countries the full version is superintendent of police...
of Police (SP) - Assistant SuperintendentAssistant SuperintendentAssistant commissioner, or assistant commissioner of police , was a rank used by police forces in the British Empire. It was usually the lowest rank that could be held by a European officer, most of whom joined the police at this rank...
of Police (ASP)
Junior Gazetted Officers
- Chief InspectorChief inspectorChief inspector is a rank used in police forces which follow the British model. In countries outside Britain, it is sometimes referred to as chief inspector of police .-Australia:...
of Police (CIP) - InspectorInspectorInspector is both a police rank and an administrative position, both used in a number of contexts. However, it is not an equivalent rank in each police force.- Australia :...
of Police (IP) - Sub InspectorSub-inspectorSub-inspector is a rank used extensively in the Indian Police, Pakistani Police and Sri Lankan Police, which is primarily based on the British model. It was formerly used in most British colonial police forces and in certain British police forces as well...
of Police (SI)
Non-Gazetted Officers
- Police Sergeant MajorSergeant MajorSergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
(PSM) - Police SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
Class 1 (PS) - Police SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
Class 2 (PS) - Police ConstableConstableA constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.-Etymology:...
Class 1 (PC) - Police ConstableConstableA constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.-Etymology:...
Class 2 (PC) - Police ConstableConstableA constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.-Etymology:...
Class 3 (PC) - Police ConstableConstableA constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.-Etymology:...
Class 4 (PC)
Requirement
Requirement to the Police Service is carried out at four stages. These stages are based apron the entry rank and educational qualification of the requite.- Probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police - Males/Females Graduates (aged 22–26 years) may apply and must face an entrance exam.
- Sub Inspector of Police - Males/Females who have passed GCE Advanced Levels (aged 18–25 years) may apply and must face an endurance test and a written exam.
- Police Constable - Males who have passed GCE Ordinary Levels (aged 18–25 years) may apply and must face an endurance test and a written exam.
- Women Police Constable - Females who have passed GCE Ordinary Levels (aged 18–25 years) may apply and must face an endurance test and a written exam.
- Police Constable Drivers - Those who complete up to grade 7 at school or higher with valid driving license (aged 19–35 years) may apply and must face an endurance test and a written exam.
Composition of the Police Service
Since it establishment in the 19th century the Police Service has been a centrally controlled national police force. Due to this its personnel are not recruited and deployed provincially. During the colonial period much of its senior officers were British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, with lower ranks made up of natives. However this composition did not mirror the racial composition of the island. Many of the locals in the Ceylon Police Force were Burgher
Burgher people
The Burghers are a Eurasian ethnic group, historically from Sri Lanka, consisting for the most part of male-line descendants of European colonists from the 16th to 20th centuries and local women, with some minorities of Swedish, Norwegian, French and Irish.Today the mother tongue of the Burghers...
s, followed by Sinhalese
Sinhalese people
The Sinhalese are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group,forming the majority of Sri Lanka,constituting 74% of the Sri Lankan population.They number approximately 15 million worldwide.The Sinhalese identity is based on language, heritage and religion. The Sinhalese speak Sinhala, an Indo-Aryan language and the...
and Tamils. This was much common in the government sector and continued until in mid 1950's. Following political efforts balance the racial composition of the police service to mirror that of the society and due to the civil war
Sri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
the composition has become imbalanced once again with majority of the officers being Sinhalese
Sinhalese people
The Sinhalese are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group,forming the majority of Sri Lanka,constituting 74% of the Sri Lankan population.They number approximately 15 million worldwide.The Sinhalese identity is based on language, heritage and religion. The Sinhalese speak Sinhala, an Indo-Aryan language and the...
. Currently steps are being taken to address this and personnel of all entry levels are requited from all racial groups of the island.
Uniform
With the establishment of the Ceylon Police in 1866 a standard uniforms based on the ones of the British police forces were adapted. Officers of the grade of Inspector and above who were mostly British wore white colonial uniforms which are still used today for ceremonial occasions. Constables wore dark blue tunics, shorts and a black round cap with a collar numberCollar number
A collar number, also known as a shoulder number, Force Identification Number or occasionally as Force Number , identifies uniformed officers, Police Community Support Officers , and some police staff in UK police forces. Although now displayed on epaulettes A collar number, also known as a...
. Khaki uniforms were adapted by the beginning of the 20th century for practical reasons along with other military and police units of the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
. This was common for all ranks with the constables wearing Khaki tunics, shorts and hat while always armed with a baton
Baton (law enforcement)
A truncheon or baton is essentially a club of less than arm's length made of wood, plastic, or metal...
until 1974.
Current standard of uniforms comes from the last major changers made in 1974, however several additions have been made since then for practical reasons. The old white uniform still remain as the full-dress uniform
Full dress
Full dress is a category dress codes that refers to most formal clothing available in Western society.-Civilian:For a civilian, during the Victorian and Edwardian period, this corresponded to a frock coat in the day, and white tie at night...
of Gazetted Officer
Gazetted officer
A gazetted officer is a police officer in the Sri Lanka Police Service whose name is published in the Sri Lankan Government gazette. As such, they are similar to commissioned officers in the armed forces....
s, only worn for ceremonial occasions. This includes white tunic; trousers (or skirt); medals; adorned with black epaulette
Epaulette
Epaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations.Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or "passant", a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar, or by laces on the...
s with ran insignia, a black leather cross belt with the lion head badge with whistle and chain, police badge affixed black leather pouch and sword with a white coloured pith helmet
Pith helmet
The pith helmet is a lightweight cloth-covered helmet made of cork or pith...
. Senior gazetted officers may wear a waist sash in gold colour instead of cross belt. Mounted officers wear a red tunic for ceremonial occasions with a gold cross belt, a black custodian helmet
Custodian helmet
Custodian helmet or centurion helmet, technically known as a 'Home Office pattern helmet', is a helmet worn by many policemen in England and Wales.-History:...
, gazetted officers carry swords and constables carry lances with a police pennant
Pennon
A pennon was one of the principal three varieties of flags carried during the Middle Ages . Pennoncells and streamers or pendants are considered as minor varieties of this style of flag. The pennon is a flag resembling the guidon in shape, but only half the size...
.
No.01 khaki uniform is worn for most formal occasions. No.01 khaki uniform consists of a khaki jacket adorned with black epaulette
Epaulette
Epaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations.Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or "passant", a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar, or by laces on the...
s (for gazetted officer), white shirt, black tie with khaki trousers or a skirt, black coloured peaked cap
Peaked cap
A peaked cap, forage cap, barracks cover, or combination cap is a form of headgear worn by the armed forces of many nations and also by many uniformed civilian organizations such as law enforcement agencies...
and medals. No.02 khaki uniform is the normal working uniform of all police officers. No.1 khaki uniform consists of a khaki shirt (both long sleeve or short sleeve), with khaki trousers or a skirt, black coloured peaked cap
Peaked cap
A peaked cap, forage cap, barracks cover, or combination cap is a form of headgear worn by the armed forces of many nations and also by many uniformed civilian organizations such as law enforcement agencies...
and medals ribbons. Senior gazetted officers of and above the grade of superintendent wear black "gorget patches
Gorget
A gorget originally was a steel or leather collar designed to protect the throat. It was a feature of older types of armour and intended to protect against swords and other non-projectile weapons...
" on all types of uniforms. Gazetted officers tend to wear a short sleeve tunic like "bush jacket" as part of their No.02 khaki uniform. Black sam browne belt
Sam Browne belt
The Sam Browne belt is a wide belt, usually leather, which is supported by a strap going diagonally over the right shoulder. It is most often seen as part of a military or police uniform.-Origins:...
s are worn by gazetted officers with traffic policemen wearing white coloured peak caps and the white belt with sam browne belt
Sam Browne belt
The Sam Browne belt is a wide belt, usually leather, which is supported by a strap going diagonally over the right shoulder. It is most often seen as part of a military or police uniform.-Origins:...
s on their khaki uniforms. Constables and sergeants wear their service number on their uniform. For practical reasons overalls of green or black may be worn with boots when necessory.
Special Task Force
Special Task Force
The Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
personnel usually wear khaki uniforms which are a bit lighter in colour. They tend to wear a camouflage uniform with boots and bright green coloured beret.
Awards and decorations
The Sri Lanka Police has its own award and decorations that are awarded to its officers for services in the line of duty.....Weapons
Sri Lanka Police officers normally carry automatic rifles and pistols while on patrol due to terrorist threats. The Special Task ForceSpecial Task Force
The Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
with its wide rang of duties is equipped with a greater variety of firearms and a higher degree of fire power to carry out military type Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
operations.
Handguns
- Glock 17
- Beretta 92Beretta 92The Beretta 92 is a series of semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. The model 92 was designed in 1972 and production of many variants in different calibers continues today...
- Smith & Wesson M&PSmith & Wesson M&PThe Smith & Wesson Model 10, previously known as the Smith & Wesson Military & Police or the Smith & Wesson Victory Model, is a .38-caliber revolver developed from the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1889. In production since 1899, it is a fixed-sight, six-shot handgun with a fluted...
- Webley RevolverWebley RevolverThe Webley Revolver was, in various marks, the standard issue service pistol for the armed forces of the United Kingdom, the British Empire, and the Commonwealths from 1887 until 1963.The Webley is a top-break revolver with automatic extraction...
- Browning 9mm
Assault Rifles
- Type 56 Assault rifles
- AK-47AK-47The AK-47 is a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.62×39mm assault rifle, first developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is officially known as Avtomat Kalashnikova . It is also known as a Kalashnikov, an "AK", or in Russian slang, Kalash.Design work on the AK-47 began in the last year...
Assault rifles - M4 CarbineM4 CarbineThe M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,...
Assault rifles
Sub-Machine guns
- H&K MP5Heckler & Koch MP5The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar....
Submachine GunSubmachine gunA submachine gun is an automatic carbine, designed to fire pistol cartridges. It combines the automatic fire of a machine gun with the cartridge of a pistol. The submachine gun was invented during World War I , but the apex of its use was during World War II when millions of the weapon type were...
s
Sniper Rifles
- Heckler & Koch PSG1Heckler & Koch PSG1The PSG1 is a semi-automatic rifle designed by the German company Heckler & Koch of Oberndorf am Neckar.-Development:...
Sniper Rifles
Grenade launchers
- HK 69 Breech-loading grenade launcherGrenade launcherA grenade launcher or grenade discharger is a weapon that launches a grenade with more accuracy, higher velocity, and to greater distances than a soldier could throw it by hand....
(to fire teargas for riot control)
Notable officers killed in the line of duty or assassinated
- SDIG T.N. De Silva - Senior DIG Colombo Range, Killed by a LTTE suicide bomb attack on 18 December 1999.
- DIG Terrance Perera - Director, Counter Subversive Division ; shot dead on 12 December 1987 in Talangama.
- DIG Bennet Perera - Director, Criminal Investigation Department (CIDCriminal Investigation Department (Sri Lanka)The Criminal Investigation Department of the Sri Lanka Police Service is responsible for carrying out investigations throughout the island into serious crimes, including murders, rape and organized crime cases of a very serious nature that require special skills and complex detection...
) ; shot dead on 1 May 1989 in Mount LaviniaDehiwala-Mount LaviniaDehiwala-Mount Lavinia Is a newly created city lying immediately south of Colombo, one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka. It is the result of certain key urban suburbs and communities combined for administrative purposes. The centres include Dehiwala and the beach resort of Mount Lavinia.... - DIG Charles Wijewardene - Superintendent of Police, JaffnaJaffnaJaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. It is the administrative headquarters of the Jaffna district located on a peninsula of the same name. Jaffna is approximately six miles away from Kandarodai which served as a famous emporium in the Jaffna peninsula from classical...
; abducted and killed in JaffnaJaffnaJaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. It is the administrative headquarters of the Jaffna district located on a peninsula of the same name. Jaffna is approximately six miles away from Kandarodai which served as a famous emporium in the Jaffna peninsula from classical...
on 5 August 2005, LTTE suspected - DIG Upul Seneviratne - Director of Training, Special Task ForceSpecial Task ForceThe Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
; killed in a roadside bombing on 7 August 2006, LTTE suspected - SSP Ranwalage Sirimal Perera - Superintendent of Police ; killed with president Premadasa by a LTTE suicide bomb attack on 1 May 1993
See also
- Law enforcement in Sri LankaLaw enforcement in Sri LankaLaw enforcement in Sri Lanka falls under the jurisdiction of the Sri Lanka Police Service, a national police agency.Moreover, the Sri Lanka Police includes several specialized agencies. The Criminal Investigation Department is a national unit tasked with investigations of serious crims. The...
- Awards and decorations of the Sri Lanka PoliceAwards and decorations of the Sri Lanka PoliceThe following is the listing of Awards and decorations of the Sri Lanka Police. The current decorations and medals of the Sri Lanka Police were adapted in 1972 when Sri Lanka became a republic...
- Special Task ForceSpecial Task ForceThe Special Task Force is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police Service specializing in Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit...
- Ministry of DefenceMinistry of Defence (Sri Lanka)The Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order is the Sri Lankan government ministry responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces....
- Home Guard Service
- Department of PrisonsDepartment of Prisons (Sri Lanka)The Department of Prisons is a non-ministerial government department in Sri Lanka responsible for the incarceration and rehabilitation of convicted criminal offenders and terror suspects in Sri Lanka, it comes under purview of the Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms...
- List of Sri Lankan mobsters