Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala yesterday told Parliament that special police intelligence units had been established in every province to detect irregularities and corrupt dealings, involving police officers, and to ensure swift disciplinary action.

Responding to a question raised by NPP Polonnaruwa District MP Sunil Rathnasiri, the Minister said the units operating under the Police Special Bureau, were tasked with compiling regular intelligence reports on key officers while monitoring their conduct.

Wijepala disclosed that between January 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, a total of 604 police officers had been interdicted over various allegations. Of them, 79 had been dismissed following formal inquiries.

He said action against errant officers would be taken under Police Orders and Regulations, the Establishments Code, IGP circulars and guidelines issued by the National Police Commission.

In addition, 11 Internal Affairs Units had been set up across all provinces to further strengthen action against corrupt officers and those allegedly involved in criminal activities, he said, adding that the public could directly lodge complaints with the Inspector General of Police via WhatsApp, by post, through the official website of the Police – www.police.lk, by email, or through hotlines 1997 at Police Headquarters and 118 at the Ministry of Public Security.

Wijepala said the government had intensified its efforts to transform the Police service into a professional institution by increasing salaries and providing enhanced facilities, mentoring, awareness programmes and training. Officers demonstrating integrity and exemplary service would be recognised through promotions, salary increments, rewards and IGP commendations, he added.

He also noted that the Police had stepped up operations amidst a rise in organised criminal activity, revealing that 723 organised criminals had been arrested between January 1, 2024, and May 2025.

The Minister said the Police Department currently had 9,175 vacancies across male and female cadres, with interviews already conducted for 1,400 applicants to facilitate immediate recruitment, the Minister said.

Sri Lanka has 608 police stations countrywide, with a total police strength of 79,788 personnel, comprising 71,424 in the regular force, 7,256 in the Special Task Force, 1,031 in the Police Assistant Service and 77 in the Reserve Assistant Service, he said.

By Saman Indrajith

The Iranian Embassy in Colombo said that a condolence book will remain at the residence of the Iranian Ambassador at No 222, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, on 04, 05 and 06 March, from 10 am to 5 pm, each day, to express sympathy and solidarity with Iran in the wake of US-Israel air attacks that killed His Eminence Sayyed Ali Khamenei on 28 February.

The message of condolences may also be sent electronically to the Embassy’s email: iranemb.cmb@mfa.gov.ir

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. S. K. Sangakkara, Attorney-at-Law. He was the loving husband of Kumarie, beloved father to Thusharie, Vemindra, Saranga, and Kumar, loved father-in-law to Sanjay, Nipuni, Ru, and Yehali, adored grand father to Thehan, Methvan, Nethya, Vinaya, Kaya, Seth, Kavith and Swyree.

His remains will lie at his residence in Kandy for relatives and friends to pay their last respects. We also ask that the privacy of the family be respected.

The funeral will take place on the 4th of March 2026 at 6.00 p.m. at the Mahaiyawa Cemetery, Kandy. The cortège will leave the residence at 4.30 p.m.

He will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him.