Police Scout Division Launched in Historic First for Sri Lanka

New initiative aims to strengthen youth development, promote law awareness, and expand scouting nationwide

A historic milestone in Sri Lanka’s scouting movement was marked with the official launch of the Police Scout Division, introduced for the first time in the country’s history.

The initiative, conceptualized by Chief Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara, was formally inaugurated on April 6 at Police Headquarters. The event was held under the patronage of Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya and Chief Commissioner Nanayakkara.

Senior representatives of the Sri Lanka Police attended the ceremony, including Senior Deputy Inspector General (Administration) Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, Senior Deputy Inspector General (Western Province) Sajeeva Medawatta, Senior Deputy Inspector General (Support Services) Rajitha Sri Damintha, and Senior Deputy Inspector General (Training, Advanced Training and Police Scout Division) Attorney-at-Law Sampath Kumara Liyanage. A number of other senior police officers were also present to support the establishment and future operations of the division.

Representing the Sri Lanka Scout Association were President Ransiri Perera, National Training Commissioner Colonel Padmalal Perera, National Programme Commissioner Geeth Ramesh, Assistant Chief Commissioners Chandrani Pranandu, Deshan Milinda, and Sampath Kariyawasam, along with Training Directors Indrajith Ramanayake and Thilakman Pathmasiri.

The newly established Police Scout Division aims to strengthen youth development by fostering discipline, creativity, and positive attitudes among children. It also seeks to promote awareness of police services, cultivate respect for law and order, and build a generation with a deeper understanding of civic responsibility. Another key objective is to spread knowledge of general laws and highlight the importance of maintaining a peaceful society through scouting activities.

The program is expected to serve as a significant boost to both the Police Department and the National Scouting Movement.

In line with the 160th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, authorities have announced plans to establish 160 Police Scout groups in schools where scouting is not currently active. These efforts will culminate in the country’s first-ever Police Scout Jamboree, scheduled to be held later this year.

Looking ahead, Chief Commissioner Nanayakkara revealed plans to expand the initiative further by setting up 500 Police Scout groups in 500 schools within the next two years, in collaboration with 500 police stations across the island.