In a historic step toward accountability, Sri Lanka Police will equip all traffic officers with body-worn cameras and install CCTV in detention cells nationwide, aiming to curb bribery, abuse, and misconduct while restoring public trust.
Sri Lanka Police announced plans to introduce body-worn cameras for all traffic officers in an effort to promote transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure accountability during public interactions. These cameras will continuously record encounters between police and the public, providing both a deterrent against misconduct and reliable evidence in cases of disputes or complaints.
Police Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler explained that the move is expected to significantly discourage bribery and corruption. “Every interaction will be recorded, making it difficult for either party to act unlawfully,” he said.
In addition, the Police will begin installing CCTV cameras in all detention cells across the country by the end of the year. The rollout will start with the busiest and most high-priority stations out of Sri Lanka’s 608 police stations. Funding has already been approved, and installation will begin as soon as the procurement process is completed.
The implementation of surveillance inside detention facilities is seen as a vital step in preventing the mistreatment of detainees and strengthening oversight of police conduct. Human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, have long called for such reforms as essential measures to protect citizens’ rights.
The urgency for accountability measures has grown following a surge in reported abuses. Earlier this year, the Human Rights Commission documented a rise in complaints involving torture, arbitrary arrests, and harassment by police officers. In one high-profile case at the Malimbada Police Station, four officers were suspended after allegedly torturing a suspect, leading to formal charges filed by the Attorney General.
Adding to public concern, two young men died in separate incidents after being in police custody—one at Welikada Police Station and the other shortly after release from Wadduwa Police Station. These deaths intensified calls for systemic reforms within law enforcement.
The dual introduction of body-worn cameras and detention CCTV is being hailed as a significant step toward police reform, aiming to protect both the public and officers while ensuring a higher standard of justice and accountability in Sri Lanka.
