The 2006 cabinet decision to reserve 15% of police positions for women in Sri Lanka remains unimplemented, causing a significant gap in gender representation within the police force. This delay has impeded the progression of female officers to senior roles, creating a barrier to equitable representation at the highest levels of law enforcement.
If the quota were enforced, the number of female Senior Deputy Inspector General (Senior DIG) positions would increase from one to two, while the number of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) positions would rise from four to seven. Similarly, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) positions for women would expand from 13 to 25. In contrast, male officers currently dominate these ranks, holding 14 Senior DIG, 46 DIG, 159 SSP, 162 SP, and 314 ASP positions, highlighting the disparity in leadership roles.
The lack of implementation not only hinders the promotion of senior policewomen but also risks creating a future where women are absent from critical leadership positions. Without adequate pathways for advancement and adherence to legal requirements, the police force may fail to retain or promote women to senior roles, undermining gender equity in law enforcement.
Advocates for gender balance have raised concerns that this prolonged delay jeopardizes the original intention of the quota, which was to foster inclusivity and ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute to public safety at all levels. Calls are growing for immediate action to enforce the policy, introduce training programs, and ensure transparent promotion processes to address these shortcomings. If left unaddressed, the vision of a balanced and inclusive police force may remain unrealized.