Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, says steps have already been taken to urgently fill 5,000 of the 28,000 vacancies in the Sri Lanka Police at present.
Minister Wijepala said that Cabinet approval has been obtained for this purpose and that the relevant processes have already commenced, with recruitment to be completed within this year.
He also pointed out that 10,000 personnel currently serving in the Civil Security Department are expected to be attached to the police service.
Minister Ananda Wijepala made these remarks during the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, chaired by him and attended by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, recently (25).
Responding to queries raised by Members of Parliament at the Committee meeting regarding issues faced by the Police Service, Minister Wijepala stated that steps are being taken to provide necessary training programs to improve the efficiency of police officers currently in service, and that recruitment of 1,000 female police officers has also commenced.
The Minister further noted that a separate salary structure for the Police Service is expected to be introduced next year, adding that the President has already been informed of this matter and that proposals will be submitted to the 2026 Budget.
During the meeting, attention was also drawn to police stations where allegations have been made of misconduct by certain Officers-in-Charge and where fair investigations into some unlawful activities have not been conducted. The minister instructed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to pay special attention to these concerns and take appropriate action.
The Acting IGP also informed the Committee that, in addition to the existing Police Anti-Corruption Unit in Welikada, several other such anti-corruption units will be established for special operations. He further pointed out that anyone can file complaints regarding unlawful activities via the hotline number 1997.
The meeting also focused on issues such as drug eradication efforts, the use of illegal fishing explosives, and the need to ensure the confidentiality of informants providing information to the police regarding unlawful activities. (Newswire)
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