By: Isuru Parakrama
December 03, Colombo (LNW): In a recent shake-up within Sri Lanka’s police force, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) K.B. Manathunga has been appointed as the new Director of the Police Media Division and Police Spokesperson.
Manathunga replaces Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa, who has concluded his tenure in the role. Prior to this appointment, SSP Manathunga served in the Kantale Division.
Additionally, the Sri Lanka Police has made several significant transfers within its leadership ranks. SSP I.U.K. Lokuhetti, previously overseeing the Exam Division, has been appointed as the new Director of the Colombo Crimes Division, taking on a crucial role in managing criminal investigations in the capital.
In another key move, SSP H.D.K.S. Perera has been appointed as the Director of the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Division, transitioning from his previous position as head of the Colombo Frauds Investigation Division.
This appointment is seen as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism measures.
Furthermore, SP K.A. Udaya Kumara has been transferred to lead the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit, moving from his role in the Puttalam Division. His new position will involve tackling corruption and promoting integrity within the police force.
In a significant parallel development, several women officers have been appointed to senior leadership roles for the first time in history, including key positions within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Special Investigation Unit.
This significant step marks a milestone in the advancement of women in Sri Lanka’s law enforcement hierarchy.
A total of 54 senior police officers, including four women, have been transferred with immediate effect, following the approval of the National Police Commission.
One of the most notable appointments is that of SSP H.W.I.S. Muthumala, who has been promoted to the position of Director of the CID, making her the first woman to hold this influential role. She replaces SSP E.M.M.S. Dehideniya, who has been reassigned to lead the Nugegoda Division as the new SSP.
Muthumala previously served as the Deputy Director of the CID, and her promotion to the helm of the department represents a significant recognition of her expertise and leadership in criminal investigations.
Additionally, SSP H.M.L.R. Amarasena has been appointed as the new Director of the Special Investigation Unit, bringing her experience from her previous role at Police Headquarters.
Another woman officer, SSP R.A.D. Kumari, formerly serving in the Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit, has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Police Field Force Headquarters, an important position overseeing law enforcement operations.
Other notable transfers include SSP P.G.S. Gunathilake, who will now lead the Medical Services Division after previously heading the IGP’s Secretary Division.
