Priyantha Weerasooriya, Attorney-at-Law, officially assumed duties today (14) as the 37th Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Sri Lanka at Police Headquarters, Colombo 02.

Addressing the gathering, the new IGP stated that he is well-versed in the concept of the “Eight Worldly Winds” and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the honor and dignity of the police force during his tenure.

He expressed his determination to realize the vision of the police service and emphasized that he expects all officers to perform to the highest standards in achieving this mission. He further noted that his sole objective is to establish a disciplined police force, while expressing gratitude to all who supported his appointment.

On August 13, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed Weerasooriya as Sri Lanka’s 37th IGP, with the letter of appointment being presented by Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The Constitutional Council had approved the President’s recommendation to appoint Acting IGP Weerasooriya to the post on August 12. The position became vacant following the removal of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon through a parliamentary resolution.

Weerasooriya holds the distinction of being the first officer in the 158-year history of the Sri Lanka Police to rise from the rank of Police Constable to IGP. A law graduate of the University of Colombo, he entered the police service as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after being sworn in as an attorney-at-law at the Sri Lanka Law College. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management.

Throughout his 36-year career, 10 IGPs have recognized his outstanding service with commendation letters. He has served as Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Crime and Traffic, Director of Police Logistics, and has taken part in United Nations peacekeeping missions in East Timor and Haiti.

Prior to his appointment as Acting IGP, he served as Senior DIG in charge of the North Central Province.