Sri Lanka's police force has expanded its cybercrime capabilities through a specialised training programme targeting more than 300 officers in the Southern Province, part of a broader initiative to address emerging digital threats.
Law enforcement personnel serving in Galle, Matara and Tangalle divisions have completed a comprehensive cybersecurity training initiative developed through collaboration between Sri Lanka CERT and the Police Information Technology Division. The programme, which was conducted under the direction of Deputy Inspector General Nishani Senavirathna, equipped officers with practical knowledge on contemporary cyber threats and investigative techniques.
The curriculum covered multiple aspects of digital crime, including contemporary cybercrime methodologies, social media-based fraud schemes, and proper procedures for collecting and safeguarding digital evidence. Participants also received instruction on information security protocols and best practices for secure technology use during official operations. A particular emphasis was placed on training officers to recognise cyber-enabled offences and maintain evidence integrity throughout investigations.
The initiative was undertaken on the directive of Inspector General Priyantha Weerasuriya as part of a broader effort to strengthen the police service's capability to respond to digital threats. According to statements from both Sri Lanka CERT and Sri Lanka Police, the training series represents the first phase of a sustained programme aimed at building cybersecurity awareness throughout the law enforcement sector and enhancing the police response to an increasingly complex digital threat environment.
