COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 3 September 2026 — The Sri Lanka Police commemorated its 160th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the history of the country’s law enforcement service.
The main ceremony of the 160th Police Day was held at the Police Field Force Headquarters in Thimbirigasyaya, Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The President was welcomed with ceremonial police honours as senior government officials, security officials and other invited guests joined the commemoration.
160 Years of Police Service
The Sri Lanka Police was formally established on 3 September 1866, during the British colonial period. Its 160th anniversary therefore marks more than a century and a half of policing and public service in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, President Dissanayake recognised the role played by the Police in maintaining public peace and security and serving communities during periods of conflict, natural disasters, epidemics and other national crises.
The President also highlighted the present-day responsibility of law enforcement authorities in tackling illicit drugs and organised crime, describing the task as both a professional and broader social responsibility.
New Police Mobile App and Upgraded Website Launched
A major feature of the anniversary ceremony was the launch of the Sri Lanka Police Mobile App, designed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of public services and strengthen information exchange between the Police and the public.
The newly upgraded Sri Lanka Police official website was also officially unveiled during the ceremony.
A commemorative stamp and first-day cover issued to mark the 160th anniversary were also presented to the President.
Promotions for Police and STF Officers
The anniversary also marked career advancement for a significant number of officers. According to official information, promotions effective from 1 January 2026 were granted to 1,489 police officers below the rank of Chief Inspector and 153 officers of the Police Special Task Force (STF) under the long-service promotion scheme.
The President symbolically presented promotion letters to officers during the ceremony.
Government Pledges Support for Police Modernisation
Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake said the government would take steps to provide the facilities required to develop the Sri Lanka Police into a more respected and effective public service.
Among the measures outlined were a proper promotion scheme, improved infrastructure, recruitment of required personnel, a risk allowance for police officers and plans for a new police uniform.
Celebrations Extended to the Public
The 160th anniversary celebrations extended beyond the main ceremony. The Sri Lanka Police organised a public exhibition at the Police Field Force Headquarters from 4–6 September, featuring information on police services and legal awareness.
The programme also included motorcycle displays, parachute demonstrations, horse shows, police dog demonstrations and activities aimed particularly at children and young people. Community-oriented programmes were organised by police divisions and stations around the country as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the Police and the public.
A Milestone in Sri Lanka’s Policing History
The 160th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police represents an important milestone for one of the country’s longest-established public institutions.
While commemorating its history and the contribution of generations of police officers, the anniversary also placed attention on the future of policing in Sri Lanka — including modernisation, improved public services, stronger community engagement and responses to emerging challenges in crime and public security.
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