One-year extension considered for police officers reaching 60

The government is considering granting a further one-year service extension to police officers who reached the age of 60 and maintained good conduct, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today.

Ananda Wijepala acknowledged the shortage of human resources and outlined measures being taken to strengthen the force when responding to a question raised by the Opposition on vacancies in the Police Department.

Ten thousand members of the Civil Security Department were attached to the Police Service, with 6,000 already on duty, while interviews are underway to recruit new officers and 200 senior inspectors undergo training at the Police Training College.

A gazette was issued to facilitate further recruitment, including for the Police Special Task Force, with the government intending to recruit 7,800 officers within this year to ease the burden on lower-ranked officers and improve operational capacity.

All necessary steps are being taken to manage the shortage and ensure the Police Department can meet its responsibilities effectively, Ananda Wijepala emphasised.