Today is the 158th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, an organization with a long history stretching back to 1866. The police force was founded under British administration, with G.W.R. Campbell serving as its first Chief Police Officer, and has evolved greatly over time. The Sri Lanka Police has evolved from its early days of preserving law and order in colonial Ceylon to a modern, tech-savvy force that is always adapting to new challenges. This evolution includes the introduction of plainclothes policemen in 1870, the construction of the Criminal Investigation Department, and the establishment of specialized units such as the Special Task Force (STF) in 1983.
Over the years, the force has achieved notable milestones, including the recruitment of female officers in 1952 and the formation of the Child and Women Abuse Prevention Bureau in 1979. Women now serve in all ranks, including four Female Deputy Inspectors General, demonstrating the force’s dedication to diversity. The establishment of specialty units, such as the Police Canine Unit in 1948 and the Crime Scene Officers (SOCO) Unit in 2006, has increased the Police’s investigation skills.
With 607 police stations across the island and a total force of approximately 86,000 personnel, including the Special Task Force, the Sri Lanka Police continue to play an important role in public safety and law enforcement. The police has embraced modern technology by implementing innovative systems such as the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Automated Mugshot Identification System (AMIS), and CCTV for traffic surveillance in Colombo. These developments demonstrate the Sri Lanka Police’s commitment to public service and a safer nation.