President Orders Comprehensive Overhaul of Sri Lanka Police and Drug Rehabilitation Program
Colombo, August 6, 2026 – In a decisive move aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing the burgeoning drug crisis, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has mandated an urgent modernization and restructuring of the Sri Lanka Police. This directive, issued during a critical review meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, seeks to ensure that law enforcement services are more efficient and responsive to the needs of the community.
Emphasizing a collaborative approach, President Dissanayake launched the “A Nation United” initiative, underlining the significance of collective action among various stakeholders in combating the drug menace. He called for a unified framework to oversee rehabilitation facilities, advocating for the integration of all drug rehabilitation institutions under a national program without further delay.
Progress Review of National Security Initiatives
The meeting focused on evaluating the progress made by the Ministry of Public Security concerning allocations from the 2026 Budget. Various agencies, including the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Bureau of Rehabilitation, reported on initiatives funded by a substantial Rs. 1000 million allocation aimed at curbing drug abuse.
- Strengthening drug detection: An allocation of Rs. 417.48 million was dedicated to bolster the capabilities of the Police Narcotics Bureau in identifying drug-related activities.
- Rehabilitation enhancement: The Kallady Police Training Centre is being developed into a full-fledged rehabilitation center with an investment of Rs. 13.54 million.
- Public awareness initiatives: The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board received Rs. 288.15 million to promote drug awareness and improve rehabilitation services.
Long-Term Vision for Law Enforcement Infrastructure
The President also addressed the structural concerns facing the police, highlighting the financial burden incurred from renting temporary premises for police stations, of which there are 608 nationwide. Discussions ensued regarding the construction of permanent police buildings to facilitate better operation and community interaction.
Moreover, the urgent need for upgrading the Sri Lanka Police’s vehicle fleet was discussed as many of the current vehicles are two decades old, leading to rising maintenance costs. Proposal reviews also included the construction of a new Police Headquarters and a specialized sports complex for police welfare.
Pioneering Health Initiatives and Community Engagement
The long-term health of police officers was another focal point. Proposals aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases among officers were presented, along with a three-month family counselling program designed for individuals voluntarily seeking rehabilitation. Notably, this initiative has seen success, significantly increasing the number of individuals entering rehabilitation voluntarily.
These discussions signify a robust commitment from the government to not just manage the crises of today, but to reform and rebuild a safer, healthier society for the future. As progress is made in these initiatives, it remains crucial for the public to engage actively, ensuring effective implementation and transparency in outcomes.
The collaboration of multiple governmental sectors, as encouraged by the President, could pave the way for significant advancements in combating drug abuse while enhancing public trust in law enforcement capabilities across Sri Lanka.