Rising from a rural schoolboy in Dodangoda to the helm of Sri Lanka’s Police, Priyantha Weerasuriya’s career spans war zones, UN missions, high-profile investigations, and decades of service. His appointment as the 37th Inspector General of Police marks the culmination of an extraordinary professional journey.
The Constitutional Council has officially approved the appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya as the 37th IGP of Sri Lanka, following a recommendation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on August 12.
President Dissanayake proposed Weerasuriya’s name in the days after Parliament voted to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon from the post. Tennakoon had been barred from performing IGP duties since July 24, 2024, when the Supreme Court issued an interim injunction against him. The position remained vacant for over three months before Weerasuriya was appointed Acting IGP in September of the same year. He served in that capacity until his official confirmation.
Early Life and Entry into the Police Service
Born on February 9, 1969, in Dodangoda, Weerasuriya Liyana Arachchige Saman Priyantha began his career in law enforcement in May 1988 as a police constable. He attended Dodangoda Nehinna Secondary School for primary education and Kalutara Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya for secondary education. He later entered the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Law, becoming a qualified lawyer alongside his policing career.
Career Milestones
In 1989, he joined the Special Task Force’s communications unit before serving in the Sangamankanda area of the Ampara Division. In 1990, while still in service, he sat for the Advanced Level examination and secured admission to study law. A defining moment came on August 2, 1992, when he was recruited as a probationary Sub-Inspector of Police, a step that opened new opportunities to develop investigative skills and leadership abilities.
Throughout this phase, he served in multiple operational roles, including traffic management, criminal investigations, and as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of several key Colombo stations such as Maradana, Maligawatta, and Kurunduwatta. He also led the Kok Eliya Police Station, a strategically vital location during the civil conflict.
On July 1, 1993, he formally began his law degree at the University of Colombo while balancing duties in the police service. Before qualifying as a lawyer, he also lectured at the Kirulapone In-Service Training Centre.
Appointed as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (Probationary) on March 5, 1999, he rose to Superintendent of Police and took on significant responsibilities, including service in East Timor under the United Nations from January 2007 to March 2008.
Leadership in Challenging Times
Upon returning from East Timor, he was assigned as Officer-in-Charge of the Batticaloa Division, where he managed a tense environment following the killing of 20 police officers by an LTTE pistol group. His effective handling of the crisis earned him two IGP Commendations.
He later became Director of the Logistics Division, and in April 2010, was deployed once again on a UN mission in Haiti, serving until April 2011. After returning, he resumed leadership of the Logistics Division and was promoted to Senior Superintendent of Police in 2012.
By May 12, 2016, he had advanced to Deputy Inspector General of Police, holding the role until 2020, when he became Senior DIG. In this capacity, he oversaw the Crime Branch, the Support Services Branch, and managed critical national events, including the 2019 Presidential Election and the 2020 General Election. From 2022 to 2023, he served as Senior DIG in charge of the Northern and Central Provinces. Over the course of his career, he has received multiple IGP Commendations for distinguished service.
Educational Achievements
Beyond his law degree, Weerasuriya holds a Master of Laws from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colombo. He also possesses diplomas in Construction Management, Professional Diplomacy and Global Affairs, Public Procurement and Contract Administration, and English for Professionals.
A Journey from Constable to IGP
From his beginnings as a constable to his elevation as Sri Lanka’s top police officer, Priyantha Weerasuriya’s career reflects dedication, adaptability, and the ability to lead through crises at both national and international levels. His appointment comes at a time when the Sri Lanka Police face calls for reform, transparency, and strengthened public trust.
