President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government plans to introduce a new uniform for the Sri Lanka Police by mid-2027 as part of a broader programme to modernize the police service.
The President said discussions had already been held with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on replacing the existing uniform with one better suited to the requirements of a modern police service.
He said the IGP has been instructed to engage a professional fashion design company to develop an appropriate new uniform.
The proposed uniform is expected to accommodate equipment used by modern police officers, including body cameras, batons, torches, handcuffs and other essential gear.
“We need to rebuild the police with a uniform suited to the modern era,” the President said.
President Dissanayake said the uniform change would be part of a wider transformation of the Sri Lanka Police, including improvements to human resources, infrastructure, technology, training and working conditions.
He also announced plans to introduce a risk allowance for police officers from January and said steps would be taken to address long-standing concerns regarding promotions within the service.
According to the President, the government has approved the recruitment of 10,000 new personnel to address staffing shortages, which have resulted in some police officers working shifts lasting between 12 and 18 hours.
The government also plans to invest in new motorcycles and single-cab vehicles for operational duties, modernize police facilities and provide funding for new buildings for Police Headquarters and the Criminal Investigation Department.
The President said the overall objective is to transform the Sri Lanka Police into a modern and respected service equipped with the personnel, technology and infrastructure needed to perform its duties effectively.
