Sri Lanka President announces crime reforms and police modernization

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced a legislative and structural agenda aimed at addressing crime and modernizing the Sri Lanka Police. To combat rising criminal activity, the President stated that his administration is prepared to introduce constitutional amendments, despite the significant parliamentary majority typically required for such changes.

Parallel to these legal reforms, the government is launching a modernization program for the police service. This includes the introduction of new uniforms by mid-2027, designed by professional fashion companies to accommodate modern equipment such as body cameras and other essential gear.

Additional measures to improve the police force include the recruitment of 10,000 new personnel to alleviate staffing shortages, the introduction of a risk allowance for officers starting in January, and investments in new vehicles, technology, and infrastructure for police headquarters and the Criminal Investigation Department.