A new training program designed to educate police officers on LGBTQ+ rights has been launched at the Katana National Police Training Institute with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands.
The initiative aims to enhance awareness among law enforcement officers regarding the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ individuals under Sri Lankan law. Police officers are expected to intervene appropriately in cases involving LGBTQ+ individuals, whether in police stations or broader society.
The inaugural session took place on March 10, 2025, under the patronage of the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Ms. Bonnie Horbach, and in the presence of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya.
A team of 24 advisory officers has been selected as the first batch of trainees under this program, which aims to improve police understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. The five-day training will be conducted by advisors from Equite, an organization actively involved in the initiative.
Distinguished attendees included Equite Chairman Tushara Manoj, Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police in charge of Training and Advanced Training Sajiva Medawatta, Executive Director of the Katana National Police Training Institute DIG Jaliya Senarathna, and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Women and Children’s Bureau, Renuka Jayasundara.
