With responsibility for law enforcement, community safety and the protection of constitutional rights, the Sri Lanka Police has a pivotal role in the maintenance of the country’s order. With a history that goes back a century and a half it is the Sri Lanka Police that is still serving an invaluable role in ensuring national security as well as maintaining community relations.
What is the Sri Lanka Police?
A body that dates back to 1866, it is purview of the Ministry of Public Security. This organization’s primary functions are dealing with crime, enforcing the law and assistance to the system of civil administration. The department contains special units such as Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), Traffic Police, and Special Task force (STF).
Sri Lanka Police’s guiding principle is “Service before self” showing that the police is committed to serving the people.
Quick Overview and Contact Details
| Established | 1866 |
| Ministry | Public Security |
| Address | Police Headquarters, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka |
| Phone | (+94) 11 2421111 |
| Hotline | 119 |
| Emergency Complaint | 118 |
| Fax | (+94) 11-2440584 |
| Website | https://www.police.lk |
| https://www.facebook.com/srilankapoliceofficial | |
| Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@sri_lanka_police |
| YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Sri_Lanka_police |
| https://www.instagram.com/sri_lanka_police | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sri-lanka-police | |
| X | https://x.com/SL_PoliceMedia |
| Important Links | |
| E-Services | Click Here |
| Lost Phone Police Complaint System | Click Here |
| E-Traffic | Click Here |
| Clearance Certificates | Click Here |
| IGP Police Complaint System | Click Here |
| 118 Online Emergency Complaint System | Click Here |
Responsibilities of the Sri Lanka Police
The core responsibilities of the Sri Lanka Police include:
- Crime Prevention and Detection
- Maintenance of Public Order
- Traffic Regulation and Road Safety
- VIP and Diplomatic Security
- Counter-terrorism and Anti-narcotic Operations
- Disaster Response and Public Assistance
- Issuing Police Reports and Clearance Certificates
Aiming to establish closer ties with local communities to raise public confidence and safety, the police also practice community policing.
Sri Lanka Police E-Services
Several online services (E-Services) have been launched by the Sri Lanka Police to enable public access to police-related activities. These include:
- Online Police Clearance Certificate Application
- Lost Document Reports Submission
- Accident Report Requests
- Online Complaint Submission
- Information on Wanted Persons and Missing Individuals
- Verification of Vehicle Reports (stolen/recovered)
You can access these services via the official e-Services portal: www.police.lk
Police Clearance Certificate
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
Officially generated by the Sri Lanka Police, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is evidence of a criminal record for a given individual. Usually required for:
- Visa or immigration applications
- Overseas employment
- Higher education abroad
- Business licensing
- Government recruitment
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Sri Lanka
Local Applicants:
- Visit the Police Clearance Branch or apply online.
- Submit a completed application form.
- Attach copies of your NIC, passport, and residence details.
- Pay the applicable fee (Rs. 500 – Rs. 1000 depending on processing type).
- You will receive the certificate in 7–14 working days.
| Instructions – English | Download PDF |
| Instructions – Sinhala | Download PDF |
| Instructions – Tamil | Download PDF |
| Download Application | Download PDF |
| Online Application Link | Apply Now |
| Clearance Ready Reports | Click Here |
Overseas Applicants:
- Apply through the Sri Lankan Embassy/Consulate in the residing country or via the online system.
- Documents must be certified and sent to the Police Headquarters.
Lost Document Reports Submission
This is the guide how to complaint online when you lost your phone, Step by steps
01. Visit the official Sri Lanka Police website. https://www.police.lk/
02.Click E-Services
03.Click “I Need”
04. Fill in your details
05. Submit
Traffic Regulation and Road Safety
Download Sri Lanka Police eTraffic Mobile App: Click Here
118 Online Emergency Complaint System
Please call 118 if you or someone else are in immediate danger.
How to submit a complaint online:
01. Visit the official Sri Lanka Police website. https://www.police.lk/
02.Click E-Services
03. Click “118 Emergency Complaint.”
05. Fill in your details.
06. Submit
Sri Lanka Police Rank List
The rank structure within the Sri Lanka Police reflects a clear chain of command. Here are the key ranks from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Inspector General of Police | IGP |
| Senior Deputy Inspector General | SDIG |
| Deputy Inspector General | DIG |
| Senior Superintendent of Police | SSP |
| Superintendent of Police | SP |
| Assistant Superintendent of Police | ASP |
| Chief Inspector | CI |
| Inspector | IP |
| Sub Inspector | SI |
| Sergeant Major | SM |
| Sergeant | Sgt |
| Police Constable | PC |
DIG List – Deputy Inspector Generals (Sri Lanka Police)
Following the most recent update, here is a list of a few Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) supervising different provinces and specialized units:
| Name | Division / Responsibility |
|---|---|
| DIG Ajith Rohana | Traffic Division |
| DIG Priyantha Weerasuriya | CID – Criminal Investigation Division |
| DIG Waruna Jayasundara | Western Province South |
| DIG Kithsiri Jayalath | STF – Special Task Force |
(Note: This list is subject to periodic changes as per administrative transfers.)
Other Noteworthy Information
Specialized Units in the Police Force
- STF (Special Task Force): a paramilitary squad taught in counter-terrorism and high-risk operations.
- Women and Children’s Bureau: Deals with domestic violence, child abuse, and crimes motivated by gender.
- Cyber Crime Division: Investigates digital crimes and online fraud.
Police Training Institutions
- Sri Lanka Police Training College in Kalutara is the premier institution responsible for training recruits and officers with modern techniques and ethical practices.
Conclusion
Crucially protecting public safety and national security is the Sri Lanka Police. By means of modernizing initiatives including E-services, community-oriented projects, and specialized branches, the police force seeks to be more open, effective, and public-responsive. The police are easily reachable online and in person whether your needs call for a clearance certificate, crime reporting, or assistance.
FAQs about Sri Lanka Police
Q1: How might I document an emergency or crime?
Call the police hotline 119 in an emergency; else, visit your nearest police station.
Q2: Could police complaints in Sri Lanka be sent online?
Yes. Send reports or complaints using the official e-service portal.
Q3: A Police Clearance Certificate takes what length of time to arrive?
Depending on the application approach and document validation, it usually takes 7 to 14 working days.
Q4: Can foreigners seek for a Sri Lankan Police Clearance Certificate?
A: Both residents and non-citizens who have lived in Sri Lanka in past times can apply via the online portal or embassies.
Q5: What is the lowest qualifying requirement to enlist the Sri Lanka Police?
Candidates have to satisfy physical and medical criteria and pass the G.C.E. (O/L) test with minimum qualifications. Newspapers and the official website carry recruitment ads.
