News
Concerns intensify over govt. move to politicise Public Safety Committees
Mid-level police officers have expressed concern over alleged attempts by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to politicise the network of Public Safety Committees (PSCs) being established in every Grama Niladhari (GN) division across the country.
According to police headquarters sources, concerns have intensified following reports that individuals affiliated to the JVP—distinct even from the broader National People’s Power (NPP) alliance—are being positioned on these grassroots committees under political pressure, in certain districts.
Each police station has been tasked with setting up PSCs for the GN divisions under its purview. This system dates back to war years, but the structure of the committees has undergone periodic revisions under various Inspectors General of Police (IGPs). The latest update was introduced in March by Acting IGP Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, replacing a previous directive issued by former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
A circular issued by the Ministry of Public Security, dated April 8, mandates the formation of 14,022 Public Safety Committees before June 20. Each committee must include at least 25 members, with a chairperson and vice-chairperson elected from among them. The Grama Niladhari of the area serves as the committee secretary. Representatives from local religious institutions, sports clubs, trade associations, and civil society organisations also have representation.
“Traditionally, applications are invited from residents and displayed for public scrutiny before vetting by police,” a senior officer explained. “But now, a new directive says two members from the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ project should be included on each committee. These appointees have turned out to be JVP members in almost all areas.”
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala last week confirmed that
Acting IGP Weerasuriya had already relayed the directive to all senior officers, stressing the committees’ role in fostering community-police relations, reducing crime, combating narcotics, and promoting interfaith harmony.
Each PSC includes retired public servants, former police and military officers, youth representatives, and a police officer. Members will serve a three-year term, with regular reviews by the Officer-in-Charge of each station and bi-monthly assessments by Assistant Superintendents of Police.
Despite its intentions, the rollout has sparked internal tensions, with one senior police source warning, “Any attempt to politicize these bodies risks undermining their credibility and the community’s trust in law enforcement.”
by Saman Indrajith and Norman Palihawadane ✍️
News
Police officers donate LKR 9,687,462 from day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
A sum of LKR. 9,687,462, raised from day’s salary officers of the Police Department, has been donated to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support the recovery of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to assist in rebuilding the country following the disaster.
To date, officers of the Police Department have contributed over LKR. 74 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund through three such contributions of one day’s salary.
The donation was presented on Wednesday (22) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat by the Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police C. C. Bamunuarachchi, to the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Chief Inspector Udaya Kumara, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Secretariat, was also present on the occasion.
[Presidents Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 April 2026, valid for 27 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry
of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
News
Opposition asks for PSC to probe Treasury theft
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.
Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.
The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.
The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.
He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.
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