Law enforcement in Sri Lanka

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Law enforcement in Sri Lanka is led by the Sri Lanka Police, the national police force. Local community police and Grama Niladhari officers also play roles. The Sri Lanka Police includes several specialized units:

- Criminal Investigation Department (CID) – investigates serious crimes
- Special Task Force – handles counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency
- Traffic Police
- Police Narcotics Bureau
- Security Council (led by DIG Valentine S. Vamadevan)
- Children & Women Bureau (established 1979)

Other government departments may have limited police powers for specific duties.

Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Excise have police powers in ports, airports, and related matters.

The Commission to Investigate Allegation of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), known as the Bribery Commission, can arrest people suspected of bribery or corruption.

The Department of Coast Guard enforces law in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.

Military police have police powers only for military personnel, mainly for internal investigations and guarding military facilities.

Historically, law enforcement and judicial duties were carried out by local rulers in various kingdoms. Officials such as the Dissavas administered provinces or districts. Modern policing began under the British in 1797 with a Fiscal for Colombo; as a garrison town, a Town Major supervised policing in and around the town.

Coast Guard was established in 2010 and operates under the Ministry of Defence. Coast Guard officers are considered peace officers under the Code of Criminal Procedure Act of 1979.