Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Ministerial Consultative Committee this week that urgent steps were underway to recruit 5,000 new personnel to the Police, amidst a shortfall of around 28,000 officers.
Speaking at the Committee meeting held on July 25, chaired by Minister Wijepala and attended by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law, the Minister confirmed that Cabinet approval had already been obtained for the recruitment to be completed within the year.
He added that 10,000 personnel currently serving in the Civil Security Department would be attached to the police service as part of broader efforts to bolster law enforcement capacity. Recruitment of 1,000 female officers had also commenced, he said.
To enhance professionalism within the force, Minister Wijepala said new training programmes were being introduced to improve the efficiency of serving officers. He said a separate salary structure for the police was in the pipeline, with proposals expected to be submitted in the 2026 Budget.
The Committee also addressed allegations of misconduct at certain police stations and failures to conduct impartial investigations. Minister Wijepala directed the Acting Inspector General of Police to give these matters special attention and take corrective action.
The Acting IGP told the Committee that additional anti-corruption units would be established alongside the existing unit in Welikada. He reminded the public that complaints regarding unlawful activities can be lodged via the 1997 hotline.
Other topics discussed at the meeting included narcotics enforcement, illegal fishing practices, and the need to safeguard the identities of informants.Ministry Secretary D.W.R.B. Seneviratne and other senior officials were also in attendance.