“Time is no shield for criminals”: President vows equal justice, Police reforms at 159th Police Day

President Anura Kumara Disanayake 

• Declares political influence will no longer obstruct investigations
• Pledges protection for officers acting with integrity, warning misconduct by a few can tarnish reputation of entire 84,000-strong Police force
• Highlights drug trafficking and illegal firearms as major threats; urges Police to abandon old practices, promising action against officers complicit in narcotics trade
• Approves recruitment of 10,000 new officers and salary hikes, with civil security personnel to be deployed for auxiliary duties to ease workload pressures
• Outlines plans for a tech-enabled, data-driven Police service, promising modern tools, training, and digital capabilities to raise standards and build public trust

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Wednesday declared that “no crime will be allowed to disappear with the passage of time,” pledging that the Government will pursue offenders “irrespective of when or where the crime was committed.” 

He made these remarks at the 159th Police Day celebrations held at the Police Grounds in Thimbirigasyaya under the theme, “Uphold the Law -Value Peace.”

The President said the Sri Lanka Police remains a “strong and capable institution” with the skill and courage to swiftly investigate unrest and bring suspects to custody. However, he asserted that political influence had historically obstructed probes into certain murders and crimes.

“The inability to solve these crimes or murders was not due to incompetence or lack of dedication within the Police Department. Rather, behind every unresolved crime, there was political influence that obstructed the process,” he said, adding that under the current administration such practices “will not occur.”

He warned against narratives suggesting crimes should be forgiven after 15 years: “Time does not make any of these acts legitimate. Time is no obstacle to enforcing the law.”

The President pledged state protection for officers who discharge their duties properly and urged the entire force to safeguard the institution’s reputation “with unwavering integrity.” Noting that there are nearly 84,000 officers, he cautioned that “the actions of a few can bring dishonour to the entire Police Department.”

He also addressed contemporary threats, highlighting the spread of narcotics from urban to rural areas and the role of illegal firearms. While acknowledging reports that “some level of support by certain Police officers” had enabled the drug menace, he called for a break from “old practices,” telling those unwilling to change to “step aside,” or face removal from service.

“You are not an ordinary citizen; you carry the full weight of maintaining the welfare of society,” he said.

Recognising workload strains he said, “Some officers work 14 to 16 hours a day instead of the standard 8.” The President also announced approval to recruit 10,000 new officers and plans to deploy Civil Security Department personnel for auxiliary duties. He promised incremental salary increases and improvements to allowances, linking better remuneration to a broader national push for the rule of law and economic revival.

“By establishing the supremacy of law and building a peaceful nation, the country can advance rapidly toward development. Your salaries and allowances will be increased to ensure a better standard of living for you.”

Underscoring a shift to a data-driven, tech-enabled force, he said Police methods must evolve with advances in science and technology. The Government, he noted, intends to equip the department with new tools, training, and digital capabilities to meet international standards and bring the police “closer to the people.”

“We aim to transform our country into a strong, digitally empowered State. Let us celebrate the 160th Police Day with a force that embodies respect, trust and public confidence.”

The event marked the historic appointment of Sir G.W.R. Campbell as Sri Lanka’s first Inspector General of Police on 3 September 1866, regarded as the formal beginning of the service. Over 159 years, the Police have been “closely connected with Sri Lankan society,” the President said, paying tribute to officers who died in the line of duty and those now retired.

Arriving to full honours, President Disanayake inspected the ceremonial parade and presented President’s Police Gallantry Medals to officers recognised for exceptional bravery. “The people of this country are watching you. Without your dedication and work, society cannot function as it does. That is why your duties are vital for the welfare and stability of the community,” he stressed.

The event was attended by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Tri-Forces Commanders, Senior Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, senior and junior officers of the Sri Lanka Police and other distinguished guests.