Acting IGP warns of rising non-communicable diseases in police force

20 July 2025 07:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 20 (Daily Mirror) - Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has raised serious concerns about the health of Sri Lanka’s police force personnel, revealing that only 30% of police officers are in good physical condition, while the remaining majority suffer from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or have not undergone proper medical check-ups.

He made these remarks during an event held to distribute school supplies to children of police officers in the Sabaragamuwa Province.

“If you look at the condition of police officers, around 20% to 40% suffer from non-communicable diseases. Another 30% have yet to undergo proper medical check-ups. Only the remaining 30% are in good physical health,” he said.

He said that many officers have developed NCDs due to job-related stress, family problems and other factors.

Addressing welfare concerns, the Acting IGP said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been informed about ongoing salary issues in the police service.

He said a new salary structure is expected to be introduced next year.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline police duties, improve efficiency and promote greater appreciation for the role of police officers in serving the public.

Comments - 7

Diluk Sunday, 20 July 2025 09:37 PM

First of all, ask them not to check the drunk drivers by asking then to blow filthy air on to traffic police face to check alcohol level to prevent communicable diseases. Feel sorry about these constables!

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Kumaran Sunday, 20 July 2025 09:48 PM

IGP, the major issue from the perspective of the public is the culture of thuggish violence and bribe by almost all police personnel for decades . No IGP or Politician ever undertook to deal effectively with these two critical problems .

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D P P Prasad Sunday, 20 July 2025 10:19 PM

The acting IGP Mr Priyantha is almost correct. As we believe that most of the police officers who are holding different ranks are sliding into the depression and stress due to number of reasons. However most of the police officers are addicted to consume alcoholic beverages and spirits. Most of the police officers are heavy smokers. Thus very few officers are addicted to the narcotics The police officers are not like ordinary citizens they are well privileged to get anything what they want haste free. They are communicating with their clients very surreptitiously. That is why most of the police officers have fallen prey to the non- communicable diseases like high blood pressure fatty liver diabetes renal diseases and heart ailments

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Lawry Monday, 21 July 2025 05:09 AM

Government hospitals have a seperate unit to monitor patients with non-communicable deceased. If the police officers neglect their health arrangements must be made to do the required tests at their work place (police stations). Medical treatment in this country is free. Pot bellied cops should do excercise.

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R. K. D. C. Bernard Monday, 21 July 2025 12:47 PM

There aren't see a medical check up even after recruited them to the police mostly but some of them are playful who are played of football, cricket and volleyball instead to the dept. Majority of them have nothing that 's why the facilities of their stations. As well as prevailing their duty rosters. Anyway a modernized salary scheme to be implemented in next year for police officers only and it is so eligible according to their duty. All charges of them are caused due to financial problems nearly and some illegal activities can be seen too.

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Edee Monday, 21 July 2025 01:25 PM

Mandatory physical training exercises with enforcing strict discipline would resolve the issue in long term

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Eveline Soelkner Saturday, 26 July 2025 01:16 PM

Im not wondering, many are drinking and eating much, making no sport. They are too fat and do nothing for their wellbeing. The result is diabetic and heartdeseases. They should have to pass a yearly fitnes checkup. Government should buy footbikes, instead of 3-wheels. They even could be more quick if there is trafic jam. But they get a driver and a 3-wheel instead of walking small distances or taking a footbike at trafic jam time. If they can't passe e time continously the fitnes checkup, cause of not changing their lifestyle, they should lose their job, like usual in other countries.

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