In a groundbreaking move, the Sri Lankan Police has prioritized the promotion of female officers during this cycle of transfers. For the first time in the institution’s history, three women have been appointed to key leadership positions: Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Commanding Officer of the Police Field Force Headquarters, and Director of the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU), responsible for investigating police officers.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imesha Muthumala, previously the Deputy Director of the CID, has been promoted to its Directorship. SSP Darshika Kumari, formerly Deputy Director of the Computer Crime Investigation Division within the CID, now leads the Police Field Force Headquarters. SSP Lanka Rajini Amarasena, who served at Police Headquarters, assumes the role of Director of the SIU. Additionally, a female SSP has been named Director of the Police Medical Services Division (Police Hospital).
Profiles of the Newly Appointed Leaders
SSP Darshika Kumari
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, SSP Darshika Kumari joined the Sri Lanka Police in 1997 as one of the first female Sub-Inspectors recruited into the permanent service. Her career highlights include:
- Serving as Deputy Director of the Police Children and Women’s Bureau in 2008.
- Spearheading the establishment of a unit to combat child exploitation through digital platforms during her tenure as Director of the Police Children and Women’s Bureau (2020–2022).
- Acting as Personal Assistant to the then-Inspector General of Police (IGP) in 2022.
Her extensive experience also includes leadership roles within the CID, where she directed efforts against computer crimes. Her appointment as Commanding Officer of the Police Field Force Headquarters marks a significant milestone, as this role is traditionally reserved for one of the most senior SSPs.
SSP Imesha Muthumala
A trailblazer, SSP Imesha Muthumala is one of the first three female trainee Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) in Sri Lanka’s history. Joining the police service in 2007, her rapid ascent includes:
- Promotion to Superintendent of Police in 2017.
- Key roles in divisions such as the Nugegoda Police Division and the Police Clearance Division.
- Appointment as Deputy Director of the CID in 2021.
Imesha holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of Ruhuna and a Law Degree (LLB) from the Open University. Her tenure in law enforcement is set to continue until her retirement in 2041, with the potential to become the first female IGP if the role is opened to women.
SSP Lanka Rajini Amarasena
SSP Lanka Rajini Amarasena has a distinguished record of service in various capacities, including roles at the Police Headquarters Administration Division and as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in multiple stations. She entered the force as part of the first batch of female Sub-Inspectors and later qualified as an ASP through a competitive examination for graduates in 2008.
Her leadership spans a broad range of operational and administrative functions, reflecting her deep commitment to upholding the integrity of law enforcement.
SSP Madara Ariyasena
SSP Madara Ariyasena has also been recognized for her contributions, being reappointed as the Director of the Police Hospital. Known for her efforts to eradicate corruption and inefficiency in the institution, her work includes streamlining processes from procurement to service delivery. Despite challenges and transfers stemming from her anti-corruption efforts, her dedication to public service remains unwavering.
A Pioneering Step for Gender Representation
These appointments signify a historic shift towards inclusivity and recognition of the contributions of female officers in the Sri Lankan Police. The promotion of women to these high-ranking positions underscores a commitment to gender equality in law enforcement leadership and sets a precedent for future reforms.
