Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has instructed law enforcement officers to take stringent measures to accurately identify all personnel assigned to VIP events, aiming to prevent criminals or radical elements from carrying out unlawful acts while disguised in security force uniforms.
In a circular issued to senior officers this week, the IGP highlighted that given current threats to VIP security, there is a heightened risk of individuals dressed in the uniforms of the tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, or other government agencies infiltrating such events to commit crimes or endanger lives.
The circular stressed the importance of precisely identifying all individuals in security force uniforms who are deployed for essential duties—such as security and traffic control—at events attended by dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, and Ministers.
The IGP further emphasized the need to pre-identify officers assigned to these duties and to thoroughly verify their credentials before deployment.
Additionally, the circular instructs that when issuing wristbands, badges, or other identifying markers to differentiate officers in security zones during special duties, these tasks must be carried out with greater diligence than before.
Citing a recent incident where a gunman disguised as a lawyer killed a suspect inside a courtroom, the IGP reminded officers that such matters must not be overlooked. He directed all officers to give this issue special attention and to take every necessary precaution to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
