Undisciplined police officers will be stripped of uniform through law, says President Anura Kumara
04-Sep-2026.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that while some police officers are assisting drug trafficking and related activities out of fear of underworld groups or for financial gain, such conduct brings disgrace to the entire Police Service.
He warned that officers involved in such activities must change their old ways, failing which they would be stripped of their uniforms through legal action.
The President said that difficult decisions had to be taken for the security of the people and for future generations. He also said he was prepared to introduce constitutional amendments in the interest of the people and that the relevant measures would be properly implemented in the coming days.
The President made these remarks while participating in an event held at the Colombo Police Grounds on September 3, to mark the 160th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police.
Addressing the gathering, he said:
“The Police have a responsibility to protect law and order in the country. Over the past 160 years, police officers have served the country, and many have even sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation.
“Drug trafficking and the activities of underworld groups constitute a dark realm within society. Both must be completely eradicated. Otherwise, the country cannot progress as a nation.
“Action to eradicate drug trafficking and underworld activities has now been intensified. The Police must give priority to these two areas from now onwards.
“A large quantity of drugs was seized during the past year alone. While police officers are committed to combating the drug trade, some officers are assisting drug traffickers. This is a shameful situation.
“Some officers assist drug trafficking and related activities out of fear of underworld groups, while others do so for money. Those involved in such activities must change their old ways. Otherwise, they will be stripped of their uniforms through legal action.
“Necessary action is being taken at the international level to bring back to the country individuals who are hiding overseas after being involved in various crimes. Many of them will be brought back to the country very soon.
“We have to take tough decisions for the security of the people and for future generations. I am also prepared to introduce amendments to the Constitution in the interest of the people. The relevant measures will be properly implemented in the coming days.
“I am well aware that there are many problems and shortcomings within the Police Service. Due to shortages in personnel, police officers are compelled to work for many hours a day. Therefore, necessary steps will be taken to fill the vacancies in the Police Service,” he said.
